7 Soccer Shooting Drills

They shoot, they score! No matter how skilled your players are at defense, passing, and dribbling, shooting boosts the chances of adding points to the scoreboard and winning the game.

Effective shooting isn’t just about being able to kick the ball toward the net—it comes down to power, placement, and timing of the shot. Players who can shoot with accuracy and confidence become relentless players on the field and can change the outcome of a game instantly.

This blog provides the top 7 soccer shooting drills that help players develop confidence, improve technique, and perform well under pressure.

1. Pylon Weave

Set up:

• Place three cones about 3-4 steps from each other, about 8-12 yards away from the goal line.

• Line up players behind the series of cones. Each player will have a ball.

Execution:

• On your whistle, the first player in line executes quick & controlled footwork to weave through the pylons in an ‘S’ shaped pattern.

• After weaving through the pylons, the player immediately steps out to either side and takes a shot.

• *Immediate shooting is crucial in this drill as it trains the player to transition quickly from control & execution

2. Through & Finish

Set up:

• Place a rebounder about 8 yards from the goal line at a slight angle towards the players, ensuring it remains primarily facing the goal.

• *If you don’t have a rebounder, have a teammate pass the ball at a 45-degree angle.

• Line up players diagonally about 6-8 yards from the rebounder. Each player will have a ball.

Execution:

• On your whistle, the first player in line dribbles towards the rebounder using quick touches.

• Once close to the rebounder, the player will shoot the ball at it.

• As the ball is returned, the player reacts instantly, dribbles towards the goal, and takes a shot. |
  

3.  Shoot In the Box

Set up:

• Players will line up inside the box about 10-18 yards away from the goal line. 

• Coach will stand close to the line of players (on either side) with balls to pass in.

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Execution:

• Coach passes the ball to the first player in line.

• The player will execute 1-2 quick & controlled touches to set up the ball.

• The player will immediately shoot at the goal, focusing on speed and accuracy.

• *Players should be encouraged to vary the shooting angle: center, left, or right positions inside the box.

 4.  Rapid Fire Shooting

Set up:

• Line up players in two single-file lines beside the goal post.  *Each player will have a ball.

• Place two cones across from each line of players. Cones should be about 3-6 yards away from the first player in each line.

Execution:

• The first player in each line will dribble toward the cone, turn around, and shoot a goal (without moving from the pylon).

• This drill can be treated as a “race” in which the team to complete the most successful shots is crowned the winner.

• *For more difficulty, place the cones a few feet away from the penalty line.

5.  Touch & Shoot

Set up:

• Pair up your players. One player assumes the shooter and the other player assumes the passer.

• The passer will start with their back to the goal, about 8-15 yards away.

• The shooter will stand 2-5 yards away from (and facing) the passer with the ball.

Execution:

• The passer plays the ball to the shooter.

• Once receiving the pass, the shooter will control the ball (with one touch).

• In the same motion, they will turn (either way) towards the goal and shoot.

• *1-2 touches total should be executed for this drill.

• The next pair will take their turn.

6. Cross & Shoot

Set up:

• Split players into two teams.

• Each team will line up in a single-file line behind a pylon placed on the arc.

• Have two ball feeders near each sideline with balls.

Execution:

• The left-side ball feeder passes the ball to the first player in the line on the right. *Passes should be diagonal.

• The attacker will time their run, meet the ball, and shoot (from that spot).

• After each attempt, the player rotates to the back of the line.

• The right-side ball feeder passes the ball to the first player in line on the left.

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