Centering Kick or Shot

Focus

Decision Making, Run & Carry, Forward line delivery, Goalkicking, Gameplan/Strategy.

Skills

Kick Long, Handball Long.

Purpose

When a player is within goalkicking range, they need to quickly sum up their distance and angle to determine whether a shot on goal is the better option, or a pass to a leading forward is preferable. This drill makes players pick up a loose ball and decide upon the best action.

Players

18⁺

Ages

15⁺

Balls

Cones

Distance (max)

160m

Setup
Set out 2 pairs of cones at opposite ends and sides of the ground on the 50m arc
Step 1
(A) kick-in through the cones to a leading (B)

Players with shorter kicks should run the ball further
Step 2
(B) marks and handballs wide to running (C)

(C) times their run so they are level with (B)
Step 3
(C) runs with a bounce if required and kicks over (D)'s head
Step 4
Where (D) picks up the loose ball will determine whether they take a shot, or pass to leading (E)

If uncomfortable with the distance or angle, pass instead

If (E) is not passed the ball, (E) quickly retrieves a spare ball from an assistant to use for the kick-in

An assistant can help retrieve footballs
Step 5
(E) backpedals before kicking-in through the cones to a leading (F)
Step 6
(F) marks and handballs wide to running (G)
Step 7
(G) runs and kicks over the head of (H)
Step 8
(H) picks up the loose ball and takes a shot or passes to leading (A)