⚽ Shooting
Target Shooting
U8 players who are told to 'shoot at goal' aim at the goalkeeper or the centre of the goal.
Target Shooting — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Head steady and eyes on the ball through the strike
◆Why this drill works
U8 players who are told to 'shoot at goal' aim at the goalkeeper or the centre of the goal. A specific target — a cone standing inside the goal — changes the cognitive task from 'kick the ball toward goal' to 'aim at that thing.' The precision requirement produces better contact and more deliberate striking technique without any technical instruction. The game also removes the goalkeeper, which means every shot result is attributable to the shooter's technique rather than the keeper's save. High success rate, high motivation, high rep count.
▦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
- Two teams, one goal each with a standing cone inside. Each team defends their own cone.
- Players shoot from their half to try to knock over the opposing cone.
- If a player scores (knocks the cone), the cone is stood back up immediately and play continues.
- Count how many times the cone is knocked over in 4 minutes. That team's score.
- Play 3 rounds. Vary the shooting distance (5m, 7m, 4m) across rounds.
- No goalkeeper — the cone is the only target. Teams can defend in front of the goal but not inside it.
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Head steady and eyes on the ball through the strike
- Clean contact with the laces, not the toe
Correct when you see
- Standing and watching instead of following in for the rebound
- Leaning back and ballooning the shot over — get the body over the ball
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Mitre Impel Footballs (6-pack) | Match-weight balls that hold shape all season. | Check price → |
| Value | Disc Marker Cones (50-pack) | Mark zones and targets in seconds. | Check price → |
| Upgrade | Pop-Up Training Goals (pair) | Realistic target practice anywhere. | Check price → |
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?Frequently asked questions
What age group is Target Shooting suitable for?
This drill suits youth. 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 Target Shooting?
This drill works well with around 10 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 Target Shooting take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 15 minutes to run it — about 18 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.