Core Topic 6: Beating The Goalkeeper

Module: Master The Opponent: 7-12 Years Old Classroom: Use The 360TFT Game Model Original Location: https://www.skool.com/football-coaching-academy-5676/classroom

TLDR

At this age, players are starting to create more chances but don’t always finish them. That’s not always a technical problem but often a decision-making problem. Too often, players rush their shot, shoot too early, or panic when the goalkeeper closes them down. This topic helps players stay calm under pressure.

I help players read the goalkeeper’s position, asking is the keeper set or moving, which post is open. I train players to slow down, not rush, because that extra touch often creates a better angle and composure beats power. I give players a toolbox of finishes including pass into corner, power through keeper, chip, side-foot, and toe-poke because different moments need different finishes.

The finishing decision tree involves checking keeper position early, deciding to shoot now or take another touch, and picking your target before shooting. Types of finishes depend on keeper position: keeper set means place it low in corner, keeper rushing out means chip or go round, keeper on near post means far post placement.

Progressive development moves from unopposed accuracy hitting corners consistently, to passive keeper learning to read position, to active keeper with real decisions, to game chaos with rebounds and pressure. The finishing toolkit includes essential finishes like side-foot placement and driven low, plus situational finishes like toe-poke when stretched.

Common problems include always blasting over the bar (start with passing into empty net), taking too many touches (use time limits), great in training but misses in matches (add consequences), and always shooting same corner (vary keeper positions). Key coaching points include “head up, pick your spot” and “pass it into the net.”

Slow it down. Stay composed. Pick your finish.

Why This Topic Matters

At this age, players are starting to create more chances, but they don’t always finish them.

That’s not always a technical problem. It’s often a decision-making problem. Too often, players rush their shot, shoot too early, or panic when the goalkeeper closes them down.

This topic helps players stay calm under pressure. We want them to recognise where the keeper is, where the space is, and what kind of finish the moment needs.

How We Coach It

We help players read the goalkeeper’s position

Is the keeper set or moving? Near post or far post open? Coming out or staying back?

We train players to slow down, not rush

That extra touch often creates a better angle. Composure beats power.

We give players a toolbox of finishes

Pass into corner, power through keeper, chip, side-foot, toe-poke. Different moments need different finishes.

We recreate real match moments

1v1s, rebounds, scrappy finishes in the box. Not perfect passes to unmarked players.

The key is repetition in context, not just finishing from a cone, but finishing under pressure. That might mean time pressure, defensive pressure, or recovering after a poor first touch. Some players are natural finishers, others need hundreds of repetitions to build confidence.

What Success Looks Like

Think of Thierry Henry. He didn’t always smash the ball, he passed it into the net. He slowed down just enough to choose the right finish, not just the fastest one.

That’s what we want. Players who don’t panic in front of goal. Players who make the goalkeeper move, and then make the net ripple.

The Finishing Decision Tree

As You Approach Goal

Types of Finishes

Keeper Position Recommended Finish
Keeper set, covering angles Place it low in corner
Keeper rushing out Chip or go round
Keeper on near post Far post placement
Keeper unsighted Power through bodies
Keeper off balance Quick shot to either corner

After the Shot

Different players prefer different finishes. Help them find their reliable options.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem Solution
Always blasts it over the bar Start with passing into empty net. Build accuracy before power.
Takes too many touches, gets tackled Time limits. “Two touches maximum” constraints.
Great in training, misses in matches Add consequences to training finishes. Miss = team runs.
Always shoots same corner Vary keeper starting positions. Force different decisions.

Progressive Finishing Development

Stage 1: Unopposed Accuracy

No keeper, hit corners consistently. Build technique and confidence.

Stage 2: Passive Keeper

Keeper present but stationary. Learn to read position and choose finish.

Stage 3: Active Keeper

Live goalkeeping. Real decisions under pressure.

Stage 4: Game Chaos

Rebounds, deflections, pressure. The scrappy goals that win matches.

Move through stages based on success rate, not time. Quality matters more than speed.

The Finishing Toolkit

Essential Finishes to Master

Situational Finishes

Focus on 2-3 reliable finishes first, then expand range.

Key Coaching Points

Adapt language to what clicks with your finishers.

Creating Confident Finishers

Training Structure

Pressure Training

Mental Preparation

Some players need volume to build confidence, others need perfect practice. Know your players.

Match Finishing vs Training Finishing

Why Players Miss in Matches

Bridge the Gap

Remember, missing is part of scoring. The best finishers miss more because they shoot more.

This content is part of the 360TFT Football Coaching Academy - Use The 360TFT Game Model