Third-Man Combination
A scripted build-up: pass into the striker, set-back for the running third man, release the winger, low cross, far-post finish.
- 18 min
- 7–12 players
Drill · U12
First Time Ground Finish
A receiver arrives onto gentle rolled service and places a first-time ground finish without a receiving turn.
- Duration
- 10 min
- Players
- 2–4 (ideal 2)
- Finishing
- Movement
- Passing
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 2-player group is shown. A server stands to the side of one finisher, who begins several metres behind a flat arrival marker. One secured empty mini goal faces the marker. Use one active ball; the server rolls it from beside the route, not from behind the goal.
Coaching points
- Setup: A server stands to the side of one finisher, who begins several metres behind a flat arrival marker. One secured empty mini goal faces the marker. Use one active ball; the server rolls it from beside the route, not from behind the goal.
- Play: The finisher signals readiness and moves towards the arrival marker. The server rolls a gentle ground ball into that path. If it is comfortably reachable, the finisher places it towards goal with the first contact for one point. An awkward delivery is stopped safely and restarted, never chased.
- Reset and rotation: The attempt ends after one contact or a safe stop. Wait until the ball is still, collect by the outside route and exchange server and finisher. After three turns each, rest and mirror the service side.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 2 players. With up to 4, use a second complete group in a separate area. Odd spare players rest off the area and rotate into a playing role every 45 seconds; everyone has equal turns.
- Coach focus: Time the movement so the player meets the ball while balanced. Prepare the chosen foot before it arrives and use the direction of service to help placement; first-time does not mean maximum power.
- Safety: Rolled ground service only; no aerial balls, goalkeeper, defender or diving. One active ball, a clear arrival path and stopped retrieval. Allow a settling touch whenever first-time contact is not comfortably controlled.
Equipment
- Ball · 2 per group, including a spare
- Mini Goal · 1 per group
- Flat Marker · 1 per group
- Flat Marker · 4 per group for field and zone corners, in addition to pictured markers
- Bib · 2 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier Allow a settling touch, then place the ground finish.
- Harder Vary the gentle roll slightly within the arrival area so the finisher adjusts footwork before contact; no faster service or aerial finish.
