U12 Practice Plan - Focus on Shooting

Set Up:

In this drill, cones are set up on the goal line, 2-3 yards away from the posts. The shooters start at the cone on the corner of the penalty area, and the passers start opposite them on the end line. When the pass is made, the shooter leaves the cone to receive, and then takes one touch before shooting on goal. His task is to place his shot between the cone and the goal post. As the drill progresses, the Coach can can for shots at the near or far post.

Set Up:

A shooting zone is set up in the center of the field, on the 18. A target player (Player 1) is stationed in the zone, and three players (Players 2, 3,and 4) are stationed at the cone, set up ten yards behind the shooting zone. Players 2, 3, and 4 pass their ball into the target player, and he must turn and shoot while still inside of the shooting zone. Players should try to get the shot off in two touches. After taking six shots, the target player rotates out to the passing line.

Coaching Points:

1.  Your first touch should allow you to run onto the shot.

2.  Your first touch should allow you to shoot at all four corners.

3.  Get the GK moving along his line.

Progressions:

1.  Add a defender to pressure from behind, but not block shots.  

Set Up:

Four players are stationed at the cones. Player 1 passes to Player 2, and Player 2 switches the ball over to Player 3. Player 3 finishes on goal and then quickly receives the next pass from Player 4, changing the direction of the drill. The players then run the same passing pattern to the other goal. Play continues back and forth in this fashion until the coach calls on the players to change positions.

Set Up:

The first player from each line will start the drill with a ball and dribble towards the cone in front of them.  Just before the cone they will step on the ball to leave it and run around the other side to where the opposite player left their ball.  The players then finish with one touch.  Coaches can have the players working on striking the ball different ways, for example laces only or with the instep.  Once the players strike their shots, then the next players in line should go.  This makes it a fast paced drill and a great workout for the GK.

Set Up:

Players are set up at the four corners of the square set up between the two goals, each player with a ball. Another player is stationed in the center of the square as the Feeder. To begin the drill, the Feeder calls out a players name, runs towards him, and then combines with that player to send him to goal. After each pass, the Feeder returns to the square and calls out another player. After shooting, players return to their corners and get another ball from a coach. The Feeder can pass a set number of balls or stay in the center for a set amount of time.

Two teams of six players compete to be the first team to finish six shots. Player 1 starts at the central cone, and the rest of the team starts near the end line. Player 2 passes to Player 1, and then Player 1 turns and shoots within two touches. After shooting, Player 1 must run all the way back to the end line before Player 2 can run to the central cone and receive the next ball.