Power Finishes - How To Coach Technique

Section Contents

• Section Introduction
• Power Finishes
• Session Plans for Power Finishes

Section Introduction

Power finishes rely on striking the ball with maximum force to overwhelm the goalkeeper. This approach is particularly useful when there’s no time to aim for corners or when the goalkeeper’s positioning makes accuracy less critical.

Key Context: The first part of this drill requires Player F to receive, spin the defender, and then finishing. In a game, being able to turn in this situation will be a surprise to an opposition defence and goalkeeper so a power finish would be a good technical choice in this scenario as it will give the goalkeeper little time to react.

Power Finishes

1. Why Power Finishing is Crucial

Power finishes are ideal for long-range shots, quick strikes under pressure, or scenarios where defenders are blocking the goalkeeper’s view. They emphasize sheer speed to leave goalkeepers with little time to react.

2. When to Use Power Finishing

• From outside the box, where accuracy can be secondary to beating the goalkeeper’s reaction.
• In tight spaces, where quick strikes are necessary.
• Against goalkeepers who are well-positioned but vulnerable to high-velocity shots.

3. Techniques for Power Finishing

• Striking with the Laces: Hit through the centre of the ball with your laces for maximum force.
• Follow Through: A full follow-through ensures greater power generation.
• Body Mechanics: Engage the hips and core to drive the shot.

General Coaching Points for Finishing:

• Observe the position of the goalkeeper.
• Look at the ball, target and then back at the ball.
• Non-kicking foot level and alongside the ball.
• The kicking foot is turned out and the ankle is kept firm.
• Strike the ball with the inside of the foot, about halfway up the ball.
• Follow through with your kick.
• When using the outside of the foot, the non-kicking foot should be further away from the ball and the ankle of the kicking foot held firm.
• The body position should be upright with the knee and head over the ball.
• When shooting from an angle, try to shoot across the keeper to the far post and be alert for rebounds.

4. Drills to Develop Power Finishes

• Long-Range Shooting: Practice striking from outside the box, focusing on power and trajectory.
• One-Touch Power Strikes: Receive the ball under pressure and shoot with minimal setup.
• Weighted Ball Drills: Use heavier balls during training to build strength and technique.

5. Overcoming Common Challenges

• Accuracy Issues: Power shots can go off-target.
  • Solution: Focus on clean striking and consistent technique.
• Rushing the Shot: Poor execution often stems from a lack of composure.
  • Solution: Stay balanced and avoid over-swinging.

6. Professional Examples of Power Finishing

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney are renowned for their power finishes, striking the ball with incredible force from long distances.

Scenario: The ball is cleared to the edge of the box after a corner. The striker hits it first-time with power, driving it into the top corner before the goalkeeper can react.

Session Plans for Power Finishes

Finishing Drill: Quick Turn and Shot

• Setup: Place a goal 15 meters away from a passing partner and have the striker receive passes with their back to goal.
• Execution:
  • The striker drops deep, receives the ball, turns quickly, and shoots.
  • Encourage varying the types of turns (inside turn, Cruyff turn, outside turn) and finishing techniques.
• Progression: Add a live defender to simulate real-game pressure.

Game Simulation: Counterattack

• Setup: Use half the field with a goal and a goalkeeper. Position a mannequin or cone as a defender(s).
• Execution:
  • The player starts deep and makes a well-timed run in behind as the ball is played from midfield. This pass can be a direct pass from a coach/parent or involving a bounce pass as shown in the diagram.
  • The focus is on exploiting space quickly and finishing the counterattack.
• Progression: Add a live defender to increase the difficulty.

Finishing Drill: Hold-Up to Goal

• Setup: Use the final third with a goal and goalkeeper.
• Execution:
  • The striker receives the ball with their back to goal, shields it from a defender, and executes one of the following:
    • A quick turn and shot.
    • A pass back to the coach for a one-two before finishing.
• Progression: Add a defender to increase difficulty.

Decision-Making Drill: Hold-Up and Link

• Setup: Use the final third. Coach plays player who has mannequin or cone to their back.
• Execution:
  • The striker receives the ball under pressure, shields it, and decides between:
    • Laying it back to the coach (or off to a nearby teammate).
    • Turning to create space for a shot.
    • Holding the ball longer to allow time for more support.
• Coaching Points: Focus on body positioning, quick decisions, and effective communication.

Finishing: Low-Driven Crosses

• Setup: Use the final third of a pitch and use mannequin or cones to simulate defenders. Your parent or coach will need to deliver the crosses. This exercise can be done with a minimum of 2 players - adjust the sequence/work one side at a time to suit.
• Drill:
  • Follow the sequence as detailed in the diagram.
  • The blue line sequence may require a power finish.
• Progression: Add a rebound element where the striker must react to deflected or missed crosses.

Finishing Drill: Reacting to Cutbacks

• Setup: Players can get 3 different finishes in this exercises. Replace mannequins with cones if you do not have any.
• Drill:
  • Blue line: Pull back off the defender, receive the cutback, touch the ball out of your feet, and power finish.
  • Black line: Striker makes a move across the defender to receive the low driven cross to finish.
  • Green line: Striker makes a movement from deep to attack the deep cross and finish.
• Objective: Practise positioning, balance, and one-touch finishing from cutbacks and crosses.
• Progression: Add a defender to increase pressure and realism.