Finishing after a directional first touch from the edge of the box
Alternating waves from two sides: the player receives with their back to goal, takes a directional first touch past a mannequin and finishes from the edge of the box. High volume of shots with both feet.
Step 1Pase y desmarque
1 / 3
El 1 pasa al pasador y va a recibir de espaldas.
Objective
Improve the first touch with the back to goal, body orientation after the touch and quick finishing from 16-20 m.
Organisation
Goal with keeper. Two lines of players with balls on the wings 25 m out. Two servers 20 m from goal, one per side, and a mannequin or tall cone at the edge of the box on each side. Plenty of balls in the lines.
Development
- 1The first player of the right line passes to their server and runs to receive with their back to goal, about 3 m from the mannequin.
- 2The server returns the ball to feet and the player takes a directional touch with the inside of the foot, past the mannequin on the side away from the ball.
- 3With the second touch, or the third at most, they finish looking for the far post.
- 4After the shot they collect the ball and join the opposite line; then the left line goes.
- 5Change servers every four minutes and demand finishing with the weaker foot.
Coaching points4
- Receive side-on, checking over the shoulder before the ball arrives.
- The first touch beats the mannequin and sets the ball at the right distance for the shot.
- Strike with the laces and the body over the ball to keep it low.
- Choose far or near post according to the keeper's position, not always the same.
Common mistakes3
- A backward first touch that needs extra touches and makes the save easy.
- Looking at the ball when shooting instead of the keeper.
- Servers returning a lofted ball instead of a firm, low pass.
Variations3
- The server returns first time on the move.
- Add a passive defender who steps out from the mannequin on the second touch.
- One-touch finish after a directional touch and a short pass from the server.
Progressions2
- Active defender from the opposite line pressing the shooter.
- Goal divided into zones: double points for the corners.
Regressions2
- No mannequin and unlimited touches.
- Receive facing the goal.
Tips
- Alternate sides with rhythm so the keeper is neither idle nor overloaded.
- Count goals per line to add competition.