Guest Session: 3 Ball Finishing Practice with Aaron Danks

Aaron Danks is Head of Academy Analysis at West Bromwich Albion FC where he works closely with elite players aged 6-18. You can follow him on twitter here.

This is a practice I have used with our U13 & U14 players once a week for the last twelve weeks. And now they are masters at it.

The concept is built on my theory that there are 5 clear ways to score or create a goal in open play:

1. Direct or clever pass to receive in behind.
2. Crossing and finishing.
3. Shot from distance.
4. Individualism / attacking 1v1.
5. Combination play (give and goes, overlaps, underlaps etc.)
In all 5 ways the importance of rebounds must be emphasised.

Players attack in groups of 3 and get 3 chances to score. The first is a shot from distance, the second a cross and finish where players attack the cross 3v2. And the 3rd and final ball is played into the penalty box for a 3v3.

Logical sequence/Organisation

3 players are postioned 18-26 yards from goal.  The first player plays a pass into the central attacker and makes a crossover run with a partner, the ball is set off for a strike at goal.

Logical sequence/Organisation

Second ball comes from wide area, wide players can work a varied array of combinations including overlaps, underlaps, give ‘n’ goes and 3^rd man runs.  The ball is then delivered into the area.  The 3 attackers from the edge of the box now enter to attack the cross, whilst 2 defenders from behind the goal enter to defend the cross.

Logical sequence/Organisation

Third ball is served in from the coach on the edge of the box, the remaining defender also enters the box to create a 3v3.  The ball must stay inside the box, or the ball is “dead”.