Finishing session: 1v1 and score

Session plan

Want to try this with your team? Download the session plan and give it a go. 

Organisation 

Split your team into groups of two or three. The graphic above shows two players – an attacker and a defender. However, to increase the challenge, you can also add a keeper. 

Either way, all players need are a couple of cones to make a goal, a football (or two) and a space to work in. 

How to play 

The aim is for players to practise their finishing techniques, plus their goalkeeping and dribbling skills. They do this by taking turns in each position. 

The defender (or keeper) plays the ball to their opponent. The attacker must then try to score a goal.

Progression

If your team master the game – or find it too hard – try adding a progression. This activity is an excellent opportunity to put your players in the driving seat. For example, they can decide:   

• what size the goal should be  

• what type of pass should be played to the attacker  

• if there’s a time or touch limit for the attacker to adhere to.  

But remember, learning takes time. So don't alter your activity too quickly or too much. To help, try using the STEP framework (Youth Sports Trust, 2002). This is a great way to keep things fun, engaging and appropriate.    

If you use this session with your team, let us know how you get on by posting in the England Football Community.