Barcelona 3 Phase Finishing

Instructions/Setup:

This is an unopposed finishing practice designed to develop combination play and movement across attacking positions. Players are divided into three stations: left wing, centre forward, and right wing.

The drill begins with a finish from the centre forward, who receives a pass and shoots on goal. Immediately after shooting, the centre forward runs to the left wing station for phase two, where they combine with the left winger in a 1-2 passing sequence that ends with the left winger finishing on goal.

In phase three, the centre forward then makes a long recovery run across to the right wing. There, they complete another 1-2 combination—this time with the right winger, who then delivers a cross into the box. The centre forward and left winger both attack the cross to complete the final phase of the finishing circuit.

Coaching Notes:

• Quality of Finish: Focus on clean, composed finishing in each phase. Players should be aiming for corners and adjusting their body shape for quick, controlled strikes.

• Timing of Runs: Emphasize the importance of timing the run after the 1-2 passes and into the box during the crossing phase. Arriving too early or too late affects goal-scoring chances.

• Movement Across Lines: The centre forward must demonstrate high work rate and intelligent movement between all three stations. This mirrors real match scenarios where strikers shift laterally.

• Communication: Players should call for the ball during combinations and crosses, helping to organize runs and ensure clarity during each attacking phase.

Progression 1: One-Touch Finish Requirement:

Introduce a rule where players must finish with one touch on all shooting opportunities.

Focus: Improves anticipation, positioning, and sharp execution under pressure.

Progression 2: Passive Defenders in the Box:

Add 1–2 passive defenders in the box for the final crossing phase to create pressure without going full-contact.

Focus: Forces attacking players to time their movement more precisely and choose smarter finishing options while under light pressure.