Soccer Training Drills - Break away and Shoot

Name of the Drill:
Break away and Shoot

Purpose Improving shooting and finish

Set Up
Set up 2 files of players just outside the penalty area (see the image). Place also one player between the two files. This player will serve the ball to the attackers in various ways. The red team should start as defenders while the blue team is the attacking one.

Performing The Drill
The player in the middle plays the ball to the attacker. A defender starts his run at the same time as the attacker. The attacker should try to finish with a shoot as quickly as possible while the defender should do everything he can to prevent him from shooting. Change the roles after 5-10 minutes.

Variants:
You may place your defenders closer to the attackers in order to make it more difficult for the attackers to finish with a shoot on goal. The middle standing player could also throw the ball and force the attacking player to first regain control on the ball and then finish with a shoot.

You could also increase the distance to the 18 yard box in order to force the players to shoot harder and with more accuracy. By doing this you will also give more time to the defender to catch up and block the shoot from the attacking player.

Equipment Needed
Balls, One Goal

Drill Set Up
The player in the middle passes the ball to the attacker. The attacker should try to finish with a quick shoot while the defender should try to block the shoot.

Summary
A defender will rarely find himself 1 vs 1 with the goalkeeper. However, when the situation shows up it is crucial for him to know what to do. That’s why defenders need to play as attackers during this drill. Keep in mind to encourage your players to use their both feet during the drill.