⚽ Shooting · Finishing
One-Touch Volleys
The one-touch volley — striking a moving or aerial ball without first controlling it — is a high-value finishing skill that most grassroots players never develop because they're never given dedicated practice.
One-Touch Volleys — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Plant foot arriving beside the ball before the strike — not behind or ahead
◆Why this drill works
The one-touch volley — striking a moving or aerial ball without first controlling it — is a high-value finishing skill that most grassroots players never develop because they're never given dedicated practice. Every set piece delivery, every low cross, every cutback is a potential one-touch volley opportunity. This drill builds the technique through progressive service.
▦The drill in three phases
1Setup
Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.
2Action
Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.
3Finish
The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.
Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot
▶How to run it
- Server rolls ball across the penalty area at varying pace. Striker shoots first-time with the inside of the foot.
- Technique cue: non-kicking foot beside the ball, eyes on the ball, plant and drive through the centre.
- Increase service pace. Striker must commit early and trust the technique.
- Progress: serve from a lofted ball (knee height). Striker uses instep volley.
- Final combination: wide player cuts back across goal. Striker volleys first-time from the edge of the box.
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Plant foot arriving beside the ball before the strike — not behind or ahead
- Eyes down to the ball through contact — not looking up at the goal
Correct when you see
- Taking a touch first — the point of the drill is the first-time strike
- Snatching at the ball — a composed volley has a full backswing and follow-through
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
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?Frequently asked questions
What age group is One-Touch Volleys suitable for?
This drill suits U13–adult. Younger players can use a bigger target or closer range; older players should add a defender and a goalkeeper to increase the pressure.
How many players do I need for One-Touch Volleys?
This drill works well with around 12 players. With fewer, reduce the groups or rotate players through; with more, set up multiple stations so everyone stays active rather than queuing.
How long does One-Touch Volleys take?
Allow around 4 minutes to set up and 15 minutes to run it — about 19 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.