Finish or Set a Teammate
A near-goal attacker decides whether to place an immediate finish or set a better-positioned teammate as a defender screens the route.
- 12 min
- 4–8 players
Drill · U10
Two-Lane Breakout
Two attackers break toward goal against one recovering defender and choose the pass, carry, or shot that keeps the defender uncertain.
- Duration
- 15 min
- Players
- 6–14 (ideal 9)
- Passing
- Finishing
- Scanning
- Transition
Start in two lanes
Step 1 of 2
Two attackers begin on separate lanes with a defender between them and a goalkeeper or target goal ahead.
Coaching points
- Run at the defender with the ball under control so they have to make a choice.
- The supporting player stays wide enough to see the pass and arrives ready to finish.
- Finish early if the defender protects the pass instead of the goal.
Equipment
- Balls · 1 per attacking pair
- Goal · 1
- Start cones · 4
- Defender bibs · 2
Progressions
- Recovering defender Release the defender one step behind the attackers to reward a fast first action.
- Simplify the picture Start the defender deeper and allow the attacking pair a free first pass.
