Pass, Set and Finish

Coaching objective

The shooter passes into a supporting player, receives a set pass in stride, and finishes with limited touches.

Setup

• Place a shooting line 18–24 yards from goal and a set player 12–16 yards from goal.
• The first player passes into the set player and continues the run.
• The set player lays the ball into the shooter’s path for a finish.

Rules and scoring

• The set player uses one touch whenever possible.
• The shooter finishes in one or two touches.
• Rotate shooter to set player, set player retrieves the ball, and the next player begins.

Coaching cues

• Pass firmly into the set player’s front foot.
• Approach at an angle so the final touch opens the goal.
• Set the ball away from the goalkeeper and into the shooter’s stride.
• Plant beside the ball and keep the head steady.
• Choose accuracy before maximum power.

Detailed coaching points

• The quality of the set pass determines whether the shooter can finish without breaking stride.
• Encourage the shooter to look at the goalkeeper before the final approach.
• Work both sides so players finish with both feet and from different angles.
• Keep a fast supply of balls so the practice has high repetition and little waiting.

Common errors and corrections

• Shooter running directly behind the original pass.
• Set pass stopping under the shooter’s feet.
• Final approach with too many short adjustment steps.
• Players striking hard without selecting a target.

Progress the drill

• Add a passive defender behind the set player.
• Require a first-time finish.
• Allow the set player to turn and shoot when the defender does not press.
• Add a second shooter attacking a rebound.

Simplify the drill

• Move the starting point closer to goal.
• Allow the shooter to control before finishing.
• Remove the goalkeeper and use target zones.
• Let the coach deliver the set pass.

What to measure

• Shots on target.
• Finishes completed without slowing the run.
• Set passes placed into the correct path.
• Goals scored with the weaker foot.