Shoot under pressure

WHY USE IT

Focuses on shooting and stopping shots. Players need to make space, identify opportunities, and attack and close down quickly.

SET UP

You need balls, bibs, cones and two goals. You can use the centre circle of your pitch or mark out a circle relevant to the size of your group. Goals face each other around the circle. A server stands outside the circle. We have used 12 players, but numbers can be adjusted.

HOW TO PLAY

Split players into two teams, plus a neutral player and a server. One player per team covers the goal, but they can’t use their hands. Play 4v4+1 in the centre circle. The neutral player belongs to the team in possession and is allowed to score. Players can shoot from anywhere in the circle, but it must be one-touch. The server passes a ball into the area and teams battle to win it. Once in possession, the team works the ball until the opportunity arises for a first-time shot. Rotate the players in the middle and in the goals.

Coaching points

• When your team has the ball, how can you make space to create a first-time shot? How can you set your body shape to strike first time? What kind of technique will you use?
• When out of possession, can you press quickly to win the ball back and get in front of shots?