Session: AO.101 ![]()
Exercise Objectives
- Developing distance finishing technique.
- Develop rebound finishing.
- Develop finishing in and around the 18yrd area.
Organisation

Diagram 1. Set-Up Arrangement
Set-Up
- Penalty Area x2 (44x36 yrds) with 2 full size goals as shown in Diagram 1.
- Cones set on or around the 18 yrd box to act as a half way line.
- 2 pointed cones (flags) placed on the half way line and one another 15-20 yrds further down field.
Instructions
- 2 teams compete and attempt to score. Teams play a 1-3-1 formation. The three defending players and the GK stay in the defending half, one play ('sniffer') plays in the opponents half to follow up rebounds or deflect shots. Direct shots can only be taken from behind the centre (blue coned line). Rebounds can be finished inside the opponents defending half. Attacking players (other than the 'sniffer') are allowed to enter the opponents half to follow up rebounds only. No players cross the central line until a shot is taken.
- The following rules are in place:
- If a direct shot goes in the player who shot the ball must run through the goal line within 3 secs. Refer to Diagram 3.
- An additional follow up player must always enter the opponents half to follow up for rebounds after a shot is taken (this is not the shooter, but an additional player). If there is no follow-up then a players from the shooting (attacking team) must sprint out and around the cone positioned near the half way line designated for their team. Refer to Diagram 2.
- Red players 1,2,3 pass the ball across the back patiently waiting for an opportunity to get a shot off. Red 1 passes to Red 2.
- Red 2 passes to Red 3.
- Red 3 hits a long distance shot which he follows up for any potential rebound.
- Red 1 also enters the opponents half and attempts to follow up for rebounds.

Diagram 2. The movement of a player if there was no immediate rebound run.

Diagram 3. If the shooter scores direct
Scoring
- 1 goal = Scoring on the full size goal normal.
- 2 goals = Scoring from a rebound opportunity.
- The first team to 10 goals is the winner.
Coaching Points
- Driven shot on the distance shot.
- Immediately respond to rebounds.
- No style points in soccer. Follow ups are often messy short range goals.
- Shoulders and knee over the ball when striking.
- End product. Hit the target.
- Assessment of the goal keepers position prior to the shot.
Progressions
- One touch passing and finishing throughout the exercise.
Variations
- Introduce a second forward ('sniffer') player.
- Players can score from anywhere (i.e. also in the opponents half now).
- To increase the speed of play a coach positioned on the half way line can pass in balls as a restart when the ball goes out of play.
