As a forward, your ability to finish consistently inside and around the box is what sets you apart. Whether it’s blasting a shot past the keeper or placing a delicate finish into the corner, mastering the balance between power and finesse is critical. In this blog post, we’ll break down a must-try drill designed to improve your finishing accuracy, decision-making, and adaptability under pressure.
Why This Drill Works
A huge percentage of goals scored inside the box come from one-touch finishes. As a forward, you rarely have time to take multiple touches before defenders close in. This drill focuses on the two key elements of great finishing: power and finesse.
•Power Shots: When you need to strike with force and precision, power is your go-to. It’s about transferring the energy of the incoming ball and directing it into the largest space available.
•Finesse Shots: These are all about placement, using the ball’s momentum and a softer touch to guide it into the corners where the keeper can’t reach.
This drill not only helps refine your technique but also trains your mindset to make quick decisions in high-pressure moments.
The Setup
To practice this drill, you’ll need:
•A cone or marker to represent the starting position near the top of the D.
•A partner to play the ball into you.
•Two cones in the corners of the goal to represent target areas.
•(Optional) A goalkeeper for added difficulty.
Position yourself just outside the box, ready to make runs toward the ball.
The Drill: Power and Finesse Progression
1. Start Simple: Your partner plays a pass toward the D. Your job is to run onto it and finish with a power shot into one of the corners. Immediately continue your run for a second pass, this time aiming for a finesse finish. Focus on redirecting the power of the ball into the corner with minimal spin.
2. One-Touch Finishing: All finishes in this drill are one touch. This is crucial because, in a real game, defenders won’t give you time to settle. Adjust your body to meet the ball and strike quickly.
3. Progression: Once you’ve mastered ground passes, your partner can start playing more challenging balls—lofted passes, harder angles, or even poorly placed ones. This forces you to adapt and maintain composure under unpredictable conditions.
4. Target Practice: Use the cones as visual cues for the corners. These represent the biggest spaces to aim for. If there’s a keeper, train your brain to quickly identify the most open area and direct your shot accordingly.
Key Tips for Success
•Body Position: Always stay on your toes and ready to adjust. A well-positioned body is the foundation of accurate finishing.
•Redirect Power: For power shots, use the ball’s existing momentum to drive it into the net. For finesse shots, let the ball do the work, using a softer, controlled touch to guide it into the corner.
•Aim for Precision: It’s not just about hitting the ball hard. Even power shots need to find the corners, as this is where keepers are least likely to reach.
•Keep the Mindset: Treat every shot like a game situation. Visualize the defender on your back and focus on getting the shot off quickly before the opportunity disappears.
Why This Drill Matters
This drill replicates real-game scenarios where forwards must finish under pressure. It develops your ability to:
•React to different types of passes.
•Quickly adjust your body for a clean strike.
•Make split-second decisions between power and finesse.
•Finish with one touch, maximizing your efficiency inside the box.
Take Your Finishing to the Next Level
Adding this drill to your training routine will sharpen your skills, build confidence, and help you score more goals when it counts. Start with the basics and work up to more challenging progressions. Remember, consistent practice is what turns a good forward into a great one.
Get out there, grab a ball, and start training. With dedication, you’ll be finishing like the pros in no time. Let’s make it happen!