Shooting & Finishing - U14 Practice Plan

Practice Date: Friday, April 26th, 2019

A U14 soccer practice session that focuses on shooting and finishing. The practice outline is:

  • 4 vs. 4 Play (15 Minutes)
  • 1 vs. 1 to Goal (15 Minutes)
  • 2 vs. 2 with Neutrals (15 Minutes)
  • 6 vs. 6 Scrimmage (15 Minutes)

End of practice questions:

  • What is placement vs. power? (hard shots are generally less accurate. Think about the proper part of the foot to use for each unique shooting opportunity. Are you far out? Are you close to the goal? Is the GK out of position? They all need different techniques to score).
  • Why is mobility important in the attacking 3rd of the field? (It helps unbalance the defenders. If you stand still, you are too easy to defend!)
  • Why should we look to shoot first when close to goal? (Space to shoot disappears quickly! If you have an opportunity to score, you need to take that chance first!)
  • Why is shooting on goal quickly important? (because space is tight in and around the 18 yard box. If you don’t shoot quick when you have space, then a defender will pressure you fast and your opportunity will be gone.)

4 vs. 4 Play

4 vs. 4 Soccer Play


  • Create two (or more) 30x20yd fields with a 2yd goal on each endline.
  • Divide players into four teams and play 4v4.
  • Play two-minute games, and rotate teams after every game to play a new one.
  • Encourage the teams to keep score, and try to beat each team they play.

Coaching Points:


1 vs. 1 to Goal

1 vs. 1 to Goal Soccer Game



  • In a 20x20yd grid, with a full size goal on one endline.
  • 4-5 players stand on the outside of the grid each with a ball at their feet. A goalkeeper is in goal.
  • Game starts 1v1 in the center of the grid. Decide which player is the attacker, and which is the defender.
  • Attacker receives a ball from a player outside the grid and tries to score with minimal amount of touches. Then receives a ball from another until all balls are used. Switch roles and play again.
  • Switch players in the center and play again.
  • Can make a 2nd field in order to get more players on the ball faster.

Coaching Points:

  • Encourage players to strike the ball with as few as touches as possible.
  • Placement vs. Power. Discuss the difference between striking the ball with your instep vs. the inside of the foot.
  • Discuss aiming towards the far post, and shooting low. If GK saves, the ball is likely to rebound back into play.
  • Placement of shot should be based on placement of GK.
  • Get separation from defender, and get your shot off quick before pressure gets on you again!

2 v 2 w/Neutrals

2 vs. 2 with Neutrals Soccer Activity


The teams play 4 v 4 plus four, with two players staioned in each half. The neutrals are limited to one touch, but they are allowed to shoot. When players dribble out of their defensive half and into the red zone, defenders may NOT follow. After passing into the attacking half, that player returns to the back half. The first team to 2 goals wins, and the games have a five minute time limit. When teams tie, the reigning champ remains on the field.


Coaching Points:

1.    Chasing the GK will create a 2 v 1 for the other team.

2.    Look for chances to cross and finish, using the neutrals.

3.    Forwards should set up deep into the attacking zone, well away from the red zone.



1.    When an attacker dribbles into the red zone, they can continue into the attacking half, creating a 3 v 2



6 vs. 6 Scrimmage

6 vs. 6 Soccer Scrimmage


  • Play 6v6 with no restrictions. Full goals with GKs.
  • 60 x 40 yards.

Coaching Points:

  • None! Just sit back and let them play. Can expand field for numbers.