Written by Dave Clarke
Through Ball Timing and Finishing Game
A dynamic passing and finishing drill focusing on timing, weight of pass, and composure in front of goal.
Coaching Objectives
To improve players’ ability to time runs, deliver accurate through balls, and finish at speed. This drill enhances awareness, communication, and the connection between passer and runner to create realistic game-like attacking moments.
Drill Setup
- 25 Mins
- 8+ Players
- 2 Goals
- 2 sets Bibs
- Half pitch y
Technique Tips
- Passers should open their body shape early and look up before playing the through ball.
- Focus on the weight and angle of the pass — not too soft, not overhit.
- Runners should time their run to avoid arriving too early and getting caught “offside.”
- Use both feet for receiving and finishing.
- Encourage quick scanning and eye contact between passer and runner before execution.
What the Players Do
Set up a row of large cones across the halfway line to represent a defensive barrier with passing lanes between them. Three players start on each corner at both ends of the pitch near the goals.…Killer Through Balls
Break through defensive lines with lethal through balls that attackers can take advantage of. Maximise your team’s opportunity to score buckets of goals
Coaching Objectives
The best opportunities to score are when the striker only has the keeper left to beat. By giving your midfielders the confidence to play balls into space behind defenders you are maximising the possibility of these chances.
Drill Setup
- 20 Mins
- 8 Players
- 4 Bibs
- 60x20 y
What the Players Do
Split your players into two teams of four. The attacking team must pass the ball three times before attempting a through ball into the smaller box that a teammate must run on to. The team gains a…Decision Making on When to Play Through Around or Over
Players will have the opportunity to make decisions about how to progress the ball by either playing through, around or over the opponent.
Coaching Objectives
This drill will work on players ability to create and exploit passing lanes, and play forward under pressure either around through or over opponents.
Decision making about creating and utilising the correct option that the opponent gives you to maintain possession will be key. The defenders will be looking at making play as predictable as possible and their 1 v 1 defending.
They will also have the opportunity to work on their ability to start a counter press and finish a counter attack as the practice progresses
Drill Setup
- 20 Mins
- 17 Players
- 2 Goals
- 3 x 5 sets Bibs
- 44 x 36 y
What the Players Do
Area 60x40 with a 8 yard pocket of space centrally, and a 10 x 10 additional box on either side of the pitch. There will be three even teams of 5 players (this can be varied depending on numbers) one…Continue Reading For Free
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