Leicester Finishing Races

Instructions/Setup:

This warm-up drill sees two teams compete in a head-to-head finishing challenge that blends passing combinations with one-touch execution. Each team must complete a series of forward passes, culminating in a chipped pass over a mini goal to a teammate positioned behind it, who must finish with a single touch.

Players rotate roles after each attempt, and variations can be introduced — such as right foot only, left foot only, or heading finishes — to increase difficulty and engagement.

Coaching Notes:

• Chipped Delivery: Encourage lofted passes with the correct weight and height to clear the mini goal while setting up an ideal one-touch finish.

• Body Shape for Finish: The receiving player should adjust their body early to ensure they are balanced and prepared to finish in one touch.

• Timing of Movement: Players must time their runs well to meet the chipped ball in stride and avoid arriving too early or late.

• Variation Focus: Use the finishing restrictions to target specific technical skills and challenge players to improve weaker foot or heading ability.

Progression 1: Competition with Time Limit:

Set a timer for each round and challenge teams to score as many goals as possible within a time frame using one-touch finishes.

Focus: Increases intensity, promotes quicker decision-making, and builds match-like tempo.