tooptimeTIME TO PLAY
Soccer drills

Ground finishing through target gates

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 2026-09-21U6–U8 · U9–U10
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At a glance
Players2–10
Starting spaceThree two-yard targets; 6–10 yards away
Suggested time6–10 minutes, including short breaks
EquipmentBalls, flat cones, bibs when teams are used

Set it up

Use cone gates instead of an unsecured goal. Give each player a ball and separate shooting lanes.

How to play

Dribble forward, look at a chosen target, and send a controlled ground shot through it. Retrieve only when the lane is clear. Change targets each round.

Make it easier

Move closer and widen the targets.

Add a challenge

A partner closes one target before the final touch.

What to watch for

Players swing hard without choosing a target. Ask them to look first and prioritize direction over power.

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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