Mastering Goal Scoring Through Differential Learning – 3 Drills

For successful strikers precision and consistency in converting major opportunities are crucial. This quality requires systematic and qualified training, which should start as early as possible. In his new Book “Scoring with Precision“, coaches instructor Peter Schreiner shows how to develop precision in goal shooting and helps players to accurately score under significant time and opponent pressure.

Proper precision training (Differential learning – Learning by difference)

Precision is not improved by constantly repeating the same movement, but through “differential learning,” i.e., goal shooting practice with ever-changing demands on the scorers. Even top goal scorers need regular repetition of shots under varying conditions.

Simply ingraining the same movements is not enough. Players only develop precision in goal shooting if the training creates learning situations where players must shoot precisely into the goal under varying conditions.

The following are 3 soccer drills that will help your players learn this important aspect of successful goal shooting.

Precision training in multiple actions (from the left with the left)

Organization & Structure

• The two yellow dummies simulate the goalkeeper, 3-5 feeders with 2-3 balls, one shooter.
• Player 1 passes into the shooter’s run, who shoots the ball into the target area with the left foot after a brief ball control.
• The shooter sprints back to the cone and awaits the next ball from Player 2.
• Then Player 3 follows.
• This series is repeated two or three times.

Coaching Points
Precision in shots into the far corner past the opponent. It’s important that the shot with the left foot is not struck with spin. The ball should have no rotation, otherwise, it will spin away from the goal! There are now two options: Fixed order of passes or the coach calls out a number. Important: Balls always come from different directions.

Variations

• Procedure on the right side (shooting from the right with the right foot)

Precision training – quadruple action (side + baseline)

Organization & Structure
Five dummies in trapezoid formation at the edge of the penalty area, 4 feeders with 2-3 balls, 2 shooters, full-size goal with goalkeeper.

• C passes into the path of A.
• A sprints to the ball and takes it to the right side past the dummy.
• A shoots at the goal and sprints towards B.
• B passes the ball into the path of A.
• A dribbles past the dummy and shoots at the goal.
• A sprints towards D.
• D passes the ball into the path of A.
• A shoots directly with the right foot at the goal and sprints towards E.
• E passes into the path of A.
• A shoots directly with the left foot at the goal.
• This is followed by a second series or the next player takes their turn.

Coaching Points

• The shooter should finish the balls directly from the baseline with the outer foot.

Variations

• The number of passers and the direction of the passes vary.

Endless form – Quadruple actions with goalkeeper

Organization & Structure
At the edge of the penalty area (distance depends on the training focus), set up 4 dummies in a diamond shape, with 4 players positioned with the ball at different locations, and utilize 2 goalkeepers.

• A passes to B and sprints towards the goal.
• B passes into the path of A and runs to position E.
• A shoots on goal.
• C passes the second ball into the path of A and runs to position A.
• A shoots the second ball into the goal.
• A runs through the striker diamond and receives a pass from D, who runs to position C.
• A runs back towards E and receives a pass into space. E then runs to position D.
• A dribbles through the striker diamond.
• A shoots on goal and offers himself for the next pass from position A, and so on.

Variations

• Passes from different directions.
• Reduction to double-action or triple-action.
• Variation in the location of the striker diamond (distance from the goal, shifting sideways).