Creative Finishes - How To Coach Technique

Section Contents

• Section Introduction
• Creative Finishes
• Session Plans for Creative Finishes

Section Introduction

Creative finishes involve improvisation and unpredictability, enabling strikers to score in unconventional ways. They are useful in situations where conventional methods are impractical or when surprising the goalkeeper is essential.

Creative Finishes

1. Why Creativity Matters in Finishing

Creative finishes make strikers unpredictable and capable of converting difficult chances. They add flair to a striker’s game while showcasing adaptability.

2. Types of Creative Finishes

• Backheels: Quick flicks to redirect the ball.
• Chips: Delicate lifts over the goalkeeper.
• Outside-of-the-Foot Finishes: Curling shots with the outer part of the boot.

3. Techniques for Creative Finishes

• Quick Decision-Making: React instantly to changing scenarios.
• Body Control: Maintain balance while attempting unconventional movements.
• Confidence: Believe in your ability to execute high-risk techniques.

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 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 Creativity

• Freestyle Finishes: Practice unconventional techniques in controlled scenarios.
• Tight-Space Drills: Simulate crowded penalty areas to encourage improvisation.
• One-on-One Creativity: Challenge goalkeepers with unexpected finishing moves.

5. Examples of Creative Finishers

Neymar and Dimitar Berbatov are known for their flair and ability to execute unique finishes, often surprising both defenders and goalkeepers.

Scenario: The ball is behind the striker, so they use a backheel to surprise the goalkeeper and defenders, redirecting the ball into the net.

Session Plans for Creative Finishes

Finishing Exercise: Finishing Deflected Crosses

• Setup: Use the final third of a pitch and use mannequin or cones to simulate defenders that will deflect the cross. This exercise can be done with a minimum of 2 players - adjust the sequence/work one side at a time to suit.
• Execution:
  • Your coach/parent will deliver a low cross, purposely hitting the cones/mannequin so the ball deflects.
  • The player will time their run into the second six yard box, adjusting to receive the ball after the deflection.
  • Player practices receiving the ball from a cross and finishing in one or two touches.
  • Player then sprints around the farside cones/mannequin to receive the second cross and finish at the back post.
• Coaching Point: Hit the target with the finish and use a variety of finishes depending on the angle you are at.

Finishing Drill: Quick Reactions

• Setup: You will need a rebounder or coach to exchange passes with, and someone to feed high balls to attack at the back post.
• Execution:
  • The player exchanges passes with a rebounder or coach to simulate a rebound/loose ball breaking to them in the box. Player must adjust their body to get the ball under control and finish within 2 touches.
  • In the second phase, the player makes a movement to the backpost to attack a throw from the coach/parent and head the ball into the net from close range.
• Key Focus: Quick decision-making and body adjustment.