10 Effective Soccer Finishing Drills For Kids
Soccer finishing drills and shooting activities are consistently popular among players, regardless of their age, ability, or experience. Ask any group of children about what activity they want to do in the next practice session, and they will undoubtedly all shout, ‘Shooting!’
Finishing is such a popular topic for players that it can be difficult to keep things fresh and entertaining. It’s important that players get to refine their technique whilst finishing on goal. The key is to give them plenty of repetition and opportunities to shoot in situations that replicate what might happen in a real game of soccer. You’ve also got to keep it fun for the players and make sure there is always a competitive element as well.
Here are our top 10 soccer finishing drills for kids. Give them a try, and prepare to sit back on game day and watch your team rack in the goals!
What Are Soccer Finishing Drills?
Soccer finishing drills are training exercises designed to improve a player’s ability to successfully complete a goal-scoring opportunity – in other words, to “finish” a play with a goal. This usually involves shooting the ball accurately toward the net from various distances and angles, often under pressure from defenders or simulated game situations.
The drills can vary greatly and can involve elements such as:
- Shooting Technique: The basic mechanics of a well-placed shot. This often involves practicing the different types of kicks one can use to strike the ball.
- One-on-One Finishing: These drills typically pit a striker against a goalkeeper in a one-on-one scenario. They are designed to improve the striker’s ability to remain composed under pressure and to make quick, accurate decisions.
- Crossing and Finishing: These drills focus on finishing off crosses from the wings, which is a common game scenario. They often involve timing the run and jump, heading, volleying, and other techniques.
- Combination Play: These drills involve a series of passes and movements leading up to a shot on goal. They help players to understand how to work together to create scoring opportunities.
- Pressure Finishing: These drills involve shooting on goal under pressure from defenders. The pressure forces the attacking player to make quicker decisions and can help to simulate the conditions of a real match.
By regularly practicing these drills, players can improve their goal-scoring abilities, decision-making under pressure, and overall effectiveness on the field.
10 Soccer Finishing Drills For Kids
1. Lightning
Lightning promises to be an immediate hit with your players, who will want to play it over and over. This unique soccer finishing drill provides ample opportunities for all participants to shoot on goal, make saves, and react quickly. It’s fast-paced, fun, exciting, and offers an abundance of finishing repetitions!
Instructions
One player starts as the goalkeeper, while all others line up 12-18 yards away from the goal (adjust the distance as per age or ability). The coach, with a supply of balls, stands next to the goal. The game begins when the coach passes the ball to the first player in line, who must attempt a goal with their first touch.
IF THE PLAYER SCORES:
- They return to the back of the line, and the goalkeeper is eliminated from the game.
- The next player in line becomes the new goalkeeper.
- The subsequent player takes the next shot.
IF THE PLAYER DOES NOT SCORE:
- The goalkeeper moves to the end of the line.
- The player who missed the shot becomes the new goalkeeper.
- The subsequent player takes the next shot.
Once a player is eliminated, they stand behind the goal to assist the coach in collecting the balls. However, if they manage to catch a missed shot before it hits the ground, they automatically rejoin the game at the back of the line. The last remaining player in the game wins.
For a comprehensive breakdown of the activity, including coaching points, progressions, and variations, click here!
2. Numbers Shooting
Numbers Shooting is an easy-to-play finishing game that players absolutely adore. It’s not only easy to set up but also a fun way for children to learn teamwork, communication, and how to handle pressure, just like in a real match. If you’re aiming to enhance your team’s finishing skills in front of the goal, this drill is indispensable!
Instructions
Establish a 24×20 yard grid with two regular-sized goals. Divide the players into two teams and have them line up behind cones set up on the sideline (off the field). Each player on both teams is assigned a unique number.
To kick off the activity, throw a ball into play and call out two numbers. The players whose numbers are called from each team dash onto the field through their assigned goal (which they also defend) to compete in a 2v2 match. One player assumes the role of a goalkeeper, while the other acts as an outfield player.
The play continues until the ball leaves the field or a goal is scored. Immediately after, call out two new numbers to maintain the momentum of the game. Continue this process for a pre-determined duration or until a specified number of goals have been scored.
For a comprehensive breakdown of the activity, including coaching points, progressions, and variations, click here!
3. Team Lightning
Team Lightning is an exceptionally engaging finishing game that integrates passing and receiving, along with shooting at speed under pressure. Players may initially need guidance through the rotations, but once they get the hang of it, this drill is sure to become a team favorite!
Instructions
Set up two triangles, each measuring 3x3x3 yards (C in the diagram), 12 yards away from the goal, and aligned with the goalposts. Next, place two cones on either side of the goal (cones ‘A’ and ‘B’ in the diagram). Half of the balls should be at each ‘A’ cone. Divide the players into two teams (red and blue) and assign them pinnies.
Each team operates on one side of the goal, lining up as follows:
- One person in Triangle C
- One person at Cone B
- All remaining players at Cone A, each with a ball
- The red team also assigns a player as the first goalkeeper
The blue team initiates the game, passing and following in sequence (A-B-C). When ‘C’ receives the ball, they take it out of the triangle with their first touch and shoot with their second touch.
IF ‘C’ SCORES:
- The blue team earns a point and repeats the passing and shooting sequence.
- The scorer returns to the back of their line.
- The player standing in the red team’s triangle becomes the next goalkeeper.
IF ‘C’ DOES NOT SCORE:
- They become the next goalkeeper.
- The red team then follows the same passing and shooting sequence.
The team with the most goals within the allocated time wins!
For a comprehensive breakdown of the activity, including coaching points, progressions, and variations, click here!
4. 2v1 To Goal
The beauty of the “2v1 To Goal” game lies in its simplicity. The presence of one defender adds enough pressure to make this finishing activity realistic while having an additional attacker ensures plenty of shots and repetitions for all players. This game ranks highly among our top finishing activities for coaching technique and enhancing your players’ ability to strike on goal!
Instructions
Set up a 30×25-yard grid. Place a large soccer goal at one end of the field and a smaller one at the other. Divide the players into two teams, referred to here as the red and blue teams.
Split the blue team into two groups, lining them up on opposite sides of the field, as shown in the diagram. The red team designates one player as the goalkeeper, with the remaining players lining up on the halfway line.
The first player in the red team’s line passes the ball to a player from the blue team at the front of one of the lines. The two blue team players then attack the large goal in an attempt to score. Meanwhile, the red player who made the pass defends the large goal.
If the red player retrieves the ball, they attempt to score on the small goal. Once the ball goes out of play or a goal is scored, the next players in line repeat the process. Continue this for 5 minutes before switching roles. The team with the most goals wins!
For a comprehensive breakdown of the activity, including coaching points, progressions, and variations, click here!
5. Multi-ball Shooting
There’s hardly anything more thrilling in soccer than making the perfect shot – except, perhaps, making a lot of perfect shots! Multiball Shooting is an exhilarating finishing drill that provides players numerous opportunities to shoot on goal within a small-sided game format. This drill also emphasizes ball control, vision, and awareness – critical skills for any top-tier finisher aiming to elevate their game!
Instructions
Establish a 35×25 yard grid with two goals. Distribute as many balls as available, ideally 12-16, evenly around the perimeter of the field, as illustrated in the diagram. Divide the players into two teams, each distinguished by different colored pinnies.
The standard rules of a soccer game apply, with one exception: whenever a goal is scored, or the ball leaves play, the non-offending team may restart the game by dribbling or kicking any of the balls situated on the field’s perimeter. It’s crucial to allow only one ball on the field at any given time. If players introduce a second ball onto the field, the opposing team is awarded a free kick. The game continues until all balls from the perimeter have been used. The team scoring the most goals emerges victorious!
For a comprehensive breakdown of the activity, including coaching points, progressions, and variations, click here!
6. 4v2 To Goal
Drawing from the classic 4v2 rondo, this finishing activity aims to hone your players’ first touch, passing and receiving skills, and, of course, their finishing abilities. It’s a fun, straightforward drill that provides ample shooting repetitions within a game-like context.
Instructions
Set up a grid roughly the size of a penalty area, complete with a goal in its standard position. Divide the players into two teams of five. One team starts as the defending team, and the other serves as the attacking team.
The defending team should assign one player as the goalkeeper, with the remaining four defenders divided into two lines positioned on either side of the goalposts. The attacking team assigns four attackers within the penalty area and one server outside the area, equipped with a supply of balls.
To initiate the drill, the server plays the ball into one of the attacking players. Then, one defender from each line enters the penalty area, creating a 4v2 scenario. The attacking team must complete at least four consecutive passes before attempting to shoot and score. If the defending team wins the ball, they clear it out of play, prompting the server to introduce another ball.
Continue the drill for a designated period, after which the teams switch roles. The team that scores the most goals ultimately wins the game!
For a comprehensive breakdown of the activity, including coaching points, progressions, and variations, click here!
7. Attitude to Shooting
This ultimate finishing drill incorporates every element you’d expect in a standard soccer match: pressure from opponents and goalkeepers, decision-making, and abundant opportunities to score and outplay your adversaries!
Instructions
Establish a 30×20-yard grid, placing a goal at each end. Create a halfway line in the center of the grid, dividing it into two equal halves (15×20 yards each). Position as many balls as available behind each goal to facilitate rapid restarts.
Divide your players into two teams of 7:
- 1 Goalkeeper
- 4 Players in the defensive half of the field
- 2 Players in the attacking half of the field
Each team defends one goal while trying to score in the opposing team’s goal. Standard soccer rules apply, with the exception that players must stay within the field half they’ve been assigned to. Moreover, when the ball leaves play, the goalkeeper from the non-offending team immediately rolls a new ball into play. Continue the game for a designated time period or until a specified number of goals have been scored.
For a full and detailed breakdown of the activity, including coaching points, progressions, and variations, click here!
8. Wild West Shooting
For effective finishing drills, frequent repetition of the skill being practiced is crucial. If your aim is to provide your players with ample opportunities to practice finishing, then look no further than Wild West Shooting! With one ball for every three players and continuous involvement (no lines!), this drill is a perfect opportunity to hone everyone’s shooting skills. Plus, it incorporates goalkeeping practice as well!
Instructions
Begin by setting up several 10×20 yard grids, each with an 8-yard goal in the middle. You’ll need three players per grid, so make sure you have enough grids to accommodate all players. Each grid also needs at least one ball.
Within each grid, position the players as follows:
- One player at each end of the grid.
- One player in the central goal.
The players on the outskirts of the grid take turns trying to score on the central goal. All shots should be taken from a distance, with the two outer players remaining outside the grid at all times. If the goalkeeper manages to save a shot, they roll the ball to the player next in line to shoot. Engage in this drill for 3-4 minutes before rotating the goalkeeper. The player who scores the most goals wins!
For a full and detailed breakdown of the activity, including coaching points, progressions, and variations, click here!
9. 2v2 Turn and Shoot
The ability to turn and finish under pressure is crucial for any forward player, no matter their level. Mastery of these skills – playing with their back to the goal, outsmarting defenders, and of course, finishing – is a must! ‘2v2 Turn and Shoot’ is a player-centered finishing game designed to enhance your team strikers’ ability to collaborate with others and score goals aplenty.
Instructions
Start by setting up multiple 15×25 yard grids, each equipped with a goal at the end. Each grid should accommodate six players. Ensure you have enough grids for all participants. Within each grid, divide the players into teams of two. Two teams engage in a 2v2 game in the middle of the grid, with one team defending the goal and the other attacking it. The remaining two players split up, one acting as the server and the other as the goalkeeper.
The game commences with the server passing a ball to one of the attackers. The attacker receives the ball with their back to one of the defenders marking them. The game turns ‘live’ after the attacker’s first touch – meaning the defender cannot intercept the initial pass. The attackers aim to score while the defenders strive to clear the ball from the grid. Following a goal or the ball exiting the grid, the sequence repeats with another ball. Engage in this activity for 3-4 minutes before rotating roles. The team scoring the most goals claims victory!
For a comprehensive breakdown of the activity, including coaching points, progressions, and variations, click here!
10. Bermuda Triangle
Bermuda Triangle is a dynamic small-sided game offering numerous opportunities to finish on goal under the intense pressure of an opposing team. Players will learn to spread out, switch the play, and seize maximum finishing opportunities. The non-stop, rapid, and thrilling nature of this game keeps the ball consistently in play. It also provides a fantastic workout for your goalkeeper!
Instructions
Set up an 8x8x8-yard triangle, with each side representing a separate goal. Outside the triangle, establish a 40×40-yard grid. Assign one player as the goalkeeper, who must defend all three goals simultaneously. For younger players, consider assigning two goalkeepers. Divide the remaining players into two equal teams.
To start the game, the coach plays a ball into the grid. Both teams vie for possession, aiming to score in any of the three goals. Players are prohibited from running through the triangle. If a goal is scored and the ball re-enters play from a different side of the triangle, the game continues. Play for a predetermined duration, and the team with the most goals wins!
For a full and detailed breakdown of the activity, including coaching points, progressions, and variations, click here!
More Soccer Drills
I hope your players have as much fun playing these soccer finishing drills as mine do! Incorporating these drills into your coaching routine will not only improve your players’ finishing abilities but also keep training sessions engaging and enjoyable. Before you go, don’t forget to check out our huge library of soccer drills by clicking on the button below.