Week 64 Finishing From Underlaps

Instructions/Setup:

This finishing practice focuses on creating goalscoring opportunities from underlapping runs. The drill is designed to help players develop the ability to time and execute underlapping runs, typically by a midfield player or wide attacker, to exploit space between the full-back and center-backs (often referred to as the half-space). Players should work on both the timing of these runs and the ability to finish once the ball is delivered into the space.

Coaching Notes:

• Timing of Underlapping Runs – The key to successful underlapping runs is timing. Players making the underlap must time their runs to arrive in the half-space just as the ball is played, ensuring they can receive and finish quickly. Encourage players to look for opportunities where they can cut inside or attack the goal with their underlap.

• Receiving the Ball in the Half-Space – Players should focus on receiving the ball in the half-space and preparing to take a shot or make a quick decision on how to finish. Encourage players to receive with their outside foot to allow for quicker control and a smoother transition to shooting.

• Finishing Under Pressure – Once the ball is played into the underlapping runner, encourage them to finish with composure, aiming for the far post or the corners. Players should be reminded to stay calm under pressure and make the most of the opportunity to score.

• Wide Player's Role – The player on the outside (the one playing the ball into the underlapping run) should focus on accurate passing. They need to deliver the ball into the space with precision, ensuring it’s easy for the underlapping player to receive and finish.

Progression 1: Add a Defender to Press the Finisher

Introduce a passive defender to pressure the player making the underlapping run and the player finishing the attack. This encourages the attacker to finish quickly and with composure under pressure.

Focus:

Helps improve finishing under pressure and enhances decision-making in real game-like scenarios.

Progression 2: Increase the Number of Underlapping Runs

Expand the practice by allowing multiple players to make underlapping runs during the same attacking phase, thus creating more options for the ball carrier. Players should focus on identifying the best possible option for a pass, either to the underlap or another attacker.

Focus:

Increases attacking options, improves timing of underlapping runs, and encourages the ball carrier to make quicker decisions based on the available attacking options.