tooptimeTIME TO PLAY
Soccer drills

Cutback pass and finish

Use this activity to work on finishing through repeated decisions with the ball. Start with the simpler version, watch the first round, and adjust the space or pressure to match the players in front of you.

By ToopTime · Updated 2026-09-21U11–U12 · U13+
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At a glance
Players3–9
Starting space25 × 20 yards; wide channel and secured goal
Suggested time6–10 minutes, including short breaks
EquipmentBalls, flat cones, bibs when teams are used

Set it up

A wide player begins with the ball near a corner. An attacker waits centrally outside the final shooting space.

How to play

The wide player dribbles toward the end line, looks up, and passes backward into the arriving attacker’s path. Rotate the wide player and finisher.

Make it easier

Start with a stationary wide server and no keeper.

Add a challenge

Add a defender protecting the center so the passer must choose the available lane.

What to watch for

The attacker arrives too early and stands still. Delay the run until the wide player can deliver.

Take it into a game

Finish with a short small-sided game and look for the same finishing decision without the activity’s extra conditions. Ask a player to describe one moment when it helped. Keep the next round simple if the skill disappears under pressure.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Look for space. Keep the ball within reach.

Practical suggestions to adapt to your players. This resource has not received independent coach or referee review. How our content is prepared.

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