Week 23 Combinations to Penetrate & Finish

Instructions/Setup:

This technical finishing practice takes place in a 40 by 45-yard area and focuses on developing quick combinations around the box to create goal-scoring opportunities. There are two attacking sequences working in opposite directions. In each sequence, players will pass and move in combinations to penetrate the defense, with one sequence culminating in a finish past the goalkeeper, and the other ending with a finish into the mini-goal. Set up two small goals or mannequins at each end of the area. One team works on one sequence, while the other team works on the other, ensuring that players are constantly moving, passing, and looking to exploit space.

Coaching Notes:

• Quick passing & movement – Emphasize the need for fast and sharp passes, with players continuously moving to offer support. The speed of combination play around the box is crucial to breaking down the defense quickly.

• Timing of runs – Stress the importance of players timing their runs into the box to receive passes at the right moment. This includes both timing the runs off the ball and ensuring that they arrive at the right time for a first-time finish or a quick follow-up shot.

• Combination variety – Encourage players to vary their combinations—such as 1-2s, lay-offs, and overlaps—so they can be unpredictable in their attacking play. This will make it more difficult for defenders to read and intercept the passes.

• Finishing under pressure – Work on finishing from different angles and under pressure, helping players to develop composure when shooting in the box. Focus on different types of finishes, including shots with both feet and headers.

Progression 1: Add a Defender

Introduce one defender into each attacking sequence. The defender will provide added pressure on the players attempting to finish. The attacking team must now focus on quicker decision-making and executing their combinations under pressure from the defender.

Focus: Develop the ability to maintain combination play while under defensive pressure, helping the attackers sharpen their decision-making and execution in high-pressure situations.

Progression 2: Add a Goalkeeper

Bring in a goalkeeper to defend the main goal, making the attacking team work to finish past them. The addition of a goalkeeper increases the realism of the practice and helps players focus on finishing under pressure, including dealing with shot-blocking and goalkeeper positioning.

Focus: Improve the players' ability to finish against a live goalkeeper and apply composure when shooting at goal. This will simulate match situations where players need to stay calm under pressure and choose the right type of finish.