Practice 1: Overloads for goals

WHY USE IT

This practice presents the attacking players with a 3v2 - and overload that will give them opportunities for them to practice their finishing.

SET UP

Lay out an area appropriate for your players but also the right size to encourage them to shoot from anywhere. Split players into three attackers and two defenders, plus a goalkeeper. Place a goal at each end, but only the goal the three attackers are attempting to score in has a goalkeeper. The two defenders start in the half of the area they are defending.

HOW TO PLAY

One of the attackers plays the ball into a team-mate and then joins in to make a 3v2. The attackers then look to score as soon as possible. If the defenders win possession, they look to score in the goal without a goalkeeper.

Progressions: time limit for the attackers; scoring systems, such as: extra points for a one-touch finish or for scoring from within their own half.

COACHING POINTS

Players should consider the position of the defenders and the goalkeeper, how they can create space to have a shot on goal and using disguise when shooting. They should also be encouraged to shoot rather than pass to a team-mate.