90-Minute U7 Soccer Practice: Shooting & Finishing Focus
Introduction:
Welcome to our fun and engaging 90-minute U7 soccer practice session! Today’s focus is on helping young players develop their shooting and finishing skills. This session is designed to build confidence in front of goal, improve technique, and ensure everyone enjoys learning through play.
Warm-Up:
We’ll begin with a dynamic warm-up to get the kids moving, loosen their muscles, and set a positive tone for the rest of the practice.
- Activity: Freeze Tag with a Ball
- Every player has a ball and dribbles within a defined space.
- Two players are “taggers” without a ball. If tagged, players complete five toe taps on their ball to get back in.
- Change taggers every 2-3 minutes.
Drill 1: Shooting Technique Stations
Players rotate through two simple shooting stations to work on striking the ball with proper technique:
- Station 1: Laces Shooting
- Player starts 8 yards from the goal with a ball.
- Coach or helper gently rolls the ball toward them.
- Player meets the ball and shoots using their laces.
- Focus on non-kicking foot placement and following through.
- Station 2: Side-Foot Finishing
- Player receives a short pass from the side, inside the penalty box.
- Take a touch and finish using the inside of the foot for accuracy.
- Encourage players to aim for the corners of the goal.
Rotate players after 5 minutes at each station.
Drill 2: Shooting Relay Race
This activity encourages quick shooting and adds a fun, competitive element.
- Divide players into two teams; each lines up behind a cone about 10 yards from goal.
- First player in line dribbles to a shooting line, then shoots at the goal.
- Retrieve the ball and return to tag the next teammate.
- Team that scores the most goals in 6 minutes wins.
Drill 3: 1v1 to Goal
Encourage individual attacking and defending skills with this simple 1v1 setup.
- Coach plays a ball into the field between two players—one attacker, one defender.
- Attacker tries to beat the defender and score a goal within a set time (10-15 seconds).
- Rotate roles and pairs frequently.
Scrimmage:
Finish the session with a small-sided game to reinforce shooting in a game-like environment.
- Divide players into two balanced teams (4v4 or 5v5).
- Use small goals and encourage plenty of shooting opportunities.
- Let the game flow, offer minimal instruction, and cheer on every shot attempt!
- Play for 20-25 minutes, rotating players and positions to keep everyone involved.
Coaching Points:
- Encourage players to use their laces for power and the inside of their foot for accuracy.
- Remind players to keep their eyes on the ball when shooting.
- Promote quick decision-making in front of goal.
- Celebrate effort and bravery, not just goals scored.
- Keep the overall mood positive and energetic—mistakes are part of learning!
Tags:
- U7 Soccer
- Youth Soccer Practice
- Shooting Drills
- Finishing Skills
- Soccer Coaching