shooting Seniors soccer drills

shooting Seniors drills that you can apply to help your players progress on the shooting aspect. Sign up to receive our latest drills.

Access more drills

Possession play and switching against a low block

Used by Jurgen Klopp during a training session at Liverpool, this exercise is ideal for working on attacking combinations against a low block to effectively exploit off-the-ball runs behind the defense.

Animation: Possession play and switching against a low block
On a half-field, create a space of about 20x30m on the left side, as well as an adjacent 5x30m area, as indicated in the diagram. Then place 2 mini-goals and 4 mannequins (or constri-foot) with a cone about 35m from the goal on the right side. Then set up a 5vs4 in the large area, place 1 player in the small area, and then a final player on the opposite side at the cone level.

The exercise will proceed as follows: 
  1. The offensive players (here in blue) start with a possession game against the 4 defenders in the large area.
  2. After making at least 3 passes, they play to their teammate in the small area. No defender can press this player.
  3. The player will then make a through ball behind the defense to their teammate on the opposite side.
  4. This player finishes their action on the large goal.
  5. If the defenders regain possession, they must score as quickly as possible on one of the 2 mini-goals.
  6. Change the 2 offensive players every 3 minutes or so.

Progression

After a few rounds, you can propose these different progressions: 
  • A defender can press the player in the small area (only one).
  • Players are limited to 2 touches of the ball.
  • The player in the small area can participate in the possession game (which then creates a 6vs4).
  • Players must make at least 5 passes before playing to the player in the small area.
  • The game is played in the same way, but on the opposite side (remember to set up the cones before the start of the exercise).

Discover our shooting Seniors drills

3v3: shooting with outside support and delayed runs

3v3: shooting with outside support and delayed runs

15 min
10-14 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U20
3v3 shooting sequence where players use the wide players as support before attacking the shooting area....
Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles

Finishing Exercise from 4 Different Angles

15 min
5-20 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U16
Highly dynamic finishing exercise aimed at working on quick combinations, movements in the box, and a variety of shots from different angles....
Circuit with offensive combinations in groups of 4

Circuit with offensive combinations in groups of 4

20 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U20 - Seniors
This double station, inspired by a training session from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, is ideal for working on positioning during attacking combinations. Emphasize the importance of positioning on the field, as well as body positioning in relation to the ball....
Layoff in one-touch play and timing of the final pass in the Spanish national team

Layoff in one-touch play and timing of the final pass in the Spanish national team

15 min
4-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U18
Exercise used during a training camp with the Spanish national team, it allows your players to work on the weight and accuracy of the final pass, especially when they are facing away from the goal....
J. Klopp: Shooting drills with a give and go around the penalty area

J. Klopp: Shooting drills with a give and go around the penalty area

15 min
4-18 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
Used by Jurgen Klopp during a training session in 2021 at Liverpool, this highly intense drill allows for multiple shots around the edge of the penalty area, always in one-touch play....
Premium drills - Soccer Coach Lab

Progress with our drills

Join our community of amateur coaches and access 500+ premium drills with diagrams inspired by pro coaches. Get new drills every week.

What constitutes the Senior category in soccer?


The Senior category includes all players over the age of 20. It encompasses players with a wide range of personal and athletic differences. As a senior coach, you must take this into account when preparing your senior training sessions. The Senior category marks a turning point in each player's soccer career. At this level, soccer is played with the utmost seriousness, commitment, and ambition, whether at the District level, regional competitions, or even at professional levels. 

For Senior players, soccer is often a passion that requires great discipline, optimal physical condition, and an advanced tactical understanding of the game. Each training session and match thus becomes crucial and far more important than in previous categories.

Here are the objectives and some tips on the best ways to train a senior team.

The objectives of the Senior category


For the Senior category, the objectives go well beyond the simple enjoyment of the game and the passion for soccer. Physical, tactical, and technical conditions are a major focus in the development of each player, as well as other crucial elements of the sport such as positioning, strategies for set pieces, formation, the type of play executed, management of individualities, locker room relationships, etc.

Coaching a Senior team involves much more responsibility as a coach and requires constant focus and structure to optimize the development of each player as well as sporting results and to reach high-level competitions.

Some tips for coaching a Senior team


Here are some essential tips for successfully coaching a Senior team:
  1. Personalization of training: Take into account the strengths, weaknesses, and individual goals of the players to customize each training session. This can include specific physical conditioning programs, technical workshops, or targeted tactical sessions.
  2. Balancing intensity and variety: Sessions should be both intense and varied to maintain player engagement and simulate upcoming or past match conditions, especially after defeats! 
  3. Focus on tactics: Senior players must understand and execute complex game plans set by the coach. Use video analysis, classroom sessions, and on-field exercises to teach and refine the game strategies you desire.
  4. Management of physical condition and recovery: Prevent injuries and ensure the athletic longevity of players by emphasizing good physical preparation, learning recovery practices after matches and training, muscle care, nutrition… 
  5. Strengthening team cohesion and mental health: Organize team-building activities and provide psychological support to each player to strengthen team spirit and help players manage pressure, especially if you reach high-level competitions.

What training exercises for a Senior team?


To succeed in your senior training session, we advise you to focus on 2 aspects: the phases of play and the pace of your sessions. There are many senior exercises available that highlight these 2 aspects, so it will be up to you to carefully select your specific senior exercises to add more dynamism to your training session.

Here is a series of exercises for a Senior team, inspired by modern soccer training practices:
  1. Advanced technical workshops: Organize sessions focused on perfecting individual technical skills, such as ball control under pressure, long-distance passing accuracy, shooting on goal, or other set pieces...
  2. Interactive tactical training: Set up games and simulations that encourage players to apply specific strategies and tactics, promoting quick thinking and decision-making under pressure.
  3. Targeted physical sessions: Include specific training to improve endurance, speed, agility, and strength of each player, according to the time of year and upcoming sporting events.
  4. Training matches and analysis: Regularly organize training matches to evaluate your Senior team's performance in real game conditions. Use post-match video analysis to discuss improvements and adjust strategies.
  5. Dynamic warm-ups: One-touch play combinations with support, inspired by a Liverpool training session. The objective? Improve communication and quick play.
  6. Possession and transition play: Possession exercise with attacking and defensive transitions, known and used notably by Pep Guardiola. This exercise emphasizes developing the ability to quickly switch phases of play (attack to defense…)
  7. Physical conditioning: Aerobic endurance circuit, adapted for physical preparation at the start of the season.
Possession play and switching against a low block

Possession play and switching against a low block

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U17 - U19
Used by Jurgen Klopp during a training session at Liverpool, this exercise is ideal for working on attacking combinations against a low block to effectively exploit off-the-ball runs behind the defense....
Finishing drill in front of the goal by J. Klopp with a three-player play

Finishing drill in front of the goal by J. Klopp with a three-player play

15 min
7-21 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
With these 3 phases of shooting, this drill used by Jurgen Klopp will allow you to work on shooting, of course, but also the final pass and play around the penalty area....
Tactical drill by Diego Simeone with defensive transition to attacking Transition work

Tactical drill by Diego Simeone with defensive transition to attacking Transition work

18 min
18-22 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U19
Used by Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid, this drill will help you work on quick attacks during an attacking transition in the central area....
Aerobic Endurance Circuit by Massimiliano Allegri

Aerobic Endurance Circuit by Massimiliano Allegri

20 min
8-20 joueurs
Conditioning
U18 - U19
Used at Juventus by Massimiliano Allegri, this drill is ideal for the start of the season and will allow you to work on aerobic endurance while including ball work....
Shooting with diamond play from the German national team

Shooting with diamond play from the German national team

20 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U19
Drill used during a training session of the German national team, it will allow you to work on several different combinations in front of the goal, with a focus on diamond play....
Jurgen Klopp's possession play with use of the weak side

Jurgen Klopp's possession play with use of the weak side

25 min
14-18 joueurs
Tactical
U19 - U18
This exercise, inspired by a training session of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, will allow you to work on the switch of play from the weak side, in order to directly deliver a cross behind the defense....
Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacking-Defensive Transition with 1v1 Duels

Pep Guardiola's Quick Attacking-Defensive Transition with 1v1 Duels

12 min
8-16 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
This two-step drill is inspired by an exercise implemented by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. It's ideal for working on attacking and defensive transitions in the defensive third of the field....
J. Klopp: Quick attacks with work on defensive-attacking transitions

J. Klopp: Quick attacks with work on defensive-attacking transitions

20 min
12-16 joueurs
Tactical
U18 - U17
Used by Jurgen Klopp during his time at Borussia Dortmund, this drill is perfect for working on quick attacks against a disorganized opponent, and thus perfecting the attacking transition in the high area of the field....
Switch of play and shooting with a series of 1v1 duels

Switch of play and shooting with a series of 1v1 duels

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
Used in the Spanish national team, this drill helps work on duels at the edge of the penalty area, as well as switches of play. A very dynamic exercise and generally appreciated by players!...
Decision Making and Reaction Time with Shooting in 2v1

Decision Making and Reaction Time with Shooting in 2v1

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
Seniors - U17
On the agenda for this exercise: shooting, decision-making, and reaction time. An exercise that players generally enjoy a lot....
Quick Attacks Against a Team Defending in a Low Block (5v5)

Quick Attacks Against a Team Defending in a Low Block (5v5)

18 min
14-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U17 - U18
Inspired by an exercise used by the Spanish national team, this 5v5 small-sided game with support will allow you to work on several attacking combinations against a team that defends in a low block....
Shooting drill with slalom and passing sequence (non-contact)

Shooting drill with slalom and passing sequence (non-contact)

15 min
12-20 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
Non-contact drill that will allow you to work on shooting and quick attacking sequences with a shot at the end of a slalom. Ideal for adding tempo to your session....
Finishing sequence followed by 2v2 opposition

Finishing sequence followed by 2v2 opposition

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Small-sided games
U18 - U17
Highly appreciated by players, this shooting exercise followed by an attacking-defensive transition and a 2v2 duel is ideal for working on various offensive combinations. Numerous variations are possible....
The arena: protecting your goal with defensive duels work

The arena: protecting your goal with defensive duels work

20 min
10-19 joueurs
Technical
U19 - U18
How to work on defensive duels? Here you will have the opportunity to tackle numerous defensive situations in 1v1 then 2v2 from different angles. A rather intense exercise!...
Jurgen Klopp's offensive combination with a double cross in front of the goal

Jurgen Klopp's offensive combination with a double cross in front of the goal

20 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U20 - Seniors
With this passing drill that ends with a double cross in front of the goal, you will be able to work on different aspects of shooting. Remember to vary the routes whenever you have the opportunity....
Pep Guardiola's technical circuit with shooting and speed drill

Pep Guardiola's technical circuit with shooting and speed drill

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U20
Used at Bayern Munich, this technical circuit consists of a sequence of passes, mini speed drills, and concludes with shooting on a full-size goal....
Finishing exercise with diamond passing game

Finishing exercise with diamond passing game

15 min
8-18 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
Finishing workshop focused on the repetition of techniques with a passing circuit where you can implement many variations: changing sides, pass and follow with shooting, 2v1 situation, etc....
Shooting then defensive transition in 3v2

Shooting then defensive transition in 3v2

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
Used at Liverpool, this shooting exercise with a 3v2 attacking transition is ideal for practicing classic moves and working on positioning in front of the goal....
Shooting under pressure in 4v2 on 4 small goals

Shooting under pressure in 4v2 on 4 small goals

15 min
6-24 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
A small, dynamic drill that will allow your players to work on sequences in tight spaces and under pressure. Many variations are possible!...
Quickly combine around and inside the penalty area

Quickly combine around and inside the penalty area

15 min
10-20 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
A very interesting drill to work on attacking combinations, it will allow you to multiply sequences at high intensity. Ideal for energizing a session!...
Possession game in 4v4 followed by a 2v1 counterattack

Possession game in 4v4 followed by a 2v1 counterattack

20 min
12-18 joueurs
Small-sided games
U16 - U17
This drill is ideal for working on counterattacks in match situations. You can implement different variations to add rhythm to a session and offer a quality drill to your players (exercise used by Manchester City in April 2019)....
Specific Forwards: Shooting Around the Edge of the Box

Specific Forwards: Shooting Around the Edge of the Box

18 min
8-18 joueurs
Technical
U16 - U17
Shooting drill with numerous variations, this exercise will definitely appeal to your attacking players. Directional controls, shots, quickness: it's all there!...
Dribbling and Shooting in a Speed and Precision Circuit

Dribbling and Shooting in a Speed and Precision Circuit

12 min
8-12 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U16
Drill conducted by Manchester City in 2016 during a pre-season training session, it perfectly combines numerous aspects such as athletic work, agility, shooting, and precision of passes....
3v1 Exchange, Layoff and Shooting on Full-Size Goal (Variation)

3v1 Exchange, Layoff and Shooting on Full-Size Goal (Variation)

15 min
6-18 joueurs
Technical
U17 - U20
Possession, forward passes, layoff, and shooting on a full-size goal. This is a variation of a passing drill that brings together all the elements to offer a quality drill to your players....
Passing game with one-touch shooting

Passing game with one-touch shooting

15 min
12-16 joueurs
Technical
U20 - U19
A perfect drill to work on finishing in front of the goal with one-touch play. Ideal when you have many players at practice!...
Combined attacking play with a through ball

Combined attacking play with a through ball

15 min
8-12 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U19
This drill, conducted in a confined space, allows for practicing offensive combinations. It is designed to develop team coordination, playing between the lines to prepare for the final pass....
Attacker Technique: Combination, Cross, and Shooting

Attacker Technique: Combination, Cross, and Shooting

15 min
12-14 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U19
Excellent exercise for your forwards to practice quick combinations as well as crossing and shooting accurately....
Attacker Technique: Combination and Shooting

Attacker Technique: Combination and Shooting

15 min
8-16 joueurs
Technical
U19 - U17
Ideal exercise for training your forwards on offensive combinations (in pairs and threes) and shooting in front of the goal....
Technical work in 2v2, cross and shooting

Technical work in 2v2, cross and shooting

25 min
15-17 joueurs
Technical
U20 - U18
Through a 2v2 drill ending with a shot, your players work on ball retention and recovery as well as shooting in front of the goal....
Forwards: Agility and precision of shots without control

Forwards: Agility and precision of shots without control

20 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U19 - U20
By having players practice shooting without controlling the ball at the end of a run, they work on both their quickness and speed of execution in ball control, as well as their accuracy in front of goal....
Getting Open and Combinations in Front of Goal

Getting Open and Combinations in Front of Goal

15 min
8-10 joueurs
Technical
U20 - U18
By asking your players to combine on one side, they practice getting open and being available for their teammates. They also work on shooting and quick consecutive passes....
Back pass and 2v2 at the edge of the penalty area

Back pass and 2v2 at the edge of the penalty area

15 min
10-12 joueurs
Technical
U20 - U17
Back pass followed by a 2v2 near the penalty area. An exercise your players will definitely enjoy!...
Pass, dribble, cross, and near-post off-the-ball run

Pass, dribble, cross, and near-post off-the-ball run

14 min
8-14 joueurs
Technical
U18 - U17
Pass into the run, dribbling, cross, and off-the-ball run to the near post... All the elements are combined in this drill to train your players under the best conditions!...
Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team

Midfield Line: Advancing and Defending as a Team

20 min
10-16 joueurs
Tactical
U20 - U19
Ideal for learning to counterattack quickly and advance as a team. The defensive aspect is also present in this exercise, perfect for working your defenders!...

Other sub-theme Seniors soccer drills