Shooting Drills for Beginners: 4 Ways to Build Young Goal Scorers

In his series “Goal Scoring Training System – From Beginner to Goal Scorer in 8 Levels,” Peter Schreiner takes an in-depth look at the important yet often overlooked topic of finishing training. Here we start with 4 shooting drills for beginners from “Goal Scoring Training System – Levels 01–04“!

Why Should You Start Shooting Practice at a Young Age?

Shooting practice is important for young players for several reasons. The first one is right at their feet: improving players’ technical skills. By practicing shooting, young players can improve their accuracy, power and striking technique.

Another important point is confidence. Scoring goals is a great way for young players to build confidence. The more they practice, the more confident they become in their shooting ability – and the more likely they are to finish successfully in game situations. That’s why we recommend a high number of repetitions and high intensity for all of the drills shown here.

In a game, players only get a few chances to shoot, so good preparation is extremely important. By practicing shooting, young players are better equipped to take those chances when they come and can make better decisions (game intelligence) under pressure.

Shooting a Stationary Ball – Competition

Organization & Setup
Set up enough target zones (small goals, portable goals, etc.). Each pair of players has a ball.

Procedure

1. Players strike the ball as low as possible into the goal with the inside of the left and right foot.
2. The shooters collect the balls and pass them to their partner.
3. Who scores the most goals in a set time?

Coaching Points

• Plant the standing foot next to the ball.
• Swing the shooting leg through and follow the ball.

Variations

• Shoot from different distances.
• Small shooting competitions with stationary balls add time and group pressure to the execution.

Shooting After a Straight Dribble

Organization & Setup
Set up enough target zones and choose the distance and spacing of the cones according to age and ability. Each player has a ball.

Procedure

1. Players dribble briefly toward goal and, at the second cone, shoot low into the goal with the inside of the foot.
2. The shooters collect the balls and dribble to the back of the group.
3. 3–5 repetitions per foot.

Coaching Points

• Short, controlled dribble.
• Plant the standing foot next to the ball before shooting.
• Bring the center of gravity forward.
• Lock the ankle, swing the shooting leg through and follow the ball.

Shooting on the Turn

Organization & Setup
Set up enough target zones and choose the distance and spacing of the cones according to age and ability. Each player has a ball.

Procedure

1. Players dribble briefly at a diagonal toward goal and, at the second cone, shoot low into the goal with the inside of the foot.
2. The shooters collect the balls and dribble to the back of the group.
3. 3–5 repetitions per foot.

Coaching Points

• Don’t run around the ball too early – stay parallel to the dribbling direction until you shoot, so a shot on the turn is possible.
• Keep the center of gravity forward when shooting.
• Lock the ankle, strike the ball through the center and follow it (rebound).

Shooting After a 90-Degree Turn

Organization & Setup
Set up enough target zones and choose the distance and spacing of the cones according to age and ability. Each player has a ball.

Procedure

1. Players dribble briefly parallel to the goal and, at the second cone, shoot low into the goal with the inside of the foot.
2. The shooters collect the balls and dribble to the back of the group.
3. 3–5 repetitions per foot.