Finishing from a Wall Pass at the Edge of the Box
Wave finishing drill: the attacker plays a wall pass with a target player at the edge of the box and finishes first time past the goalkeeper. Accuracy, timing and finishing.
Step 1Pase al apoyo
1 / 3
El atacante pasa tenso al apoyo del borde del área y rompe en diagonal.
Objective
Improve first-time finishing after a wall pass, coordinating the pass into the target player, the penetrating run and the finish against the goalkeeper.
Organisation
Half pitch with a goal and goalkeeper. A fixed target player at the edge of the box, slightly off centre; a line of attackers with balls 30 m from goal behind a cone gate. You need 10-12 balls, cones and bibs. Rotate the target player every 6 actions.
Development
- 1The first attacker takes two touches towards goal and plays a firm pass into the target player at the edge of the box.
- 2Immediately after passing, he makes a diagonal run into the inside space to receive the return.
- 3The target player lays the ball off first time into the attacker's run, leaving it in front of him inside the box.
- 4The attacker finishes first time, or with one controlling touch if the ball is bouncing, aiming at the far post.
- 5The next attacker starts as soon as the shot is taken; attackers collect their ball and rejoin the line. After six actions, switch sides and target player.
Coaching points4
- Firm ground pass to the target player's far foot to make the lay-off easier.
- The attacker makes the run right after passing, not before, so he arrives at the finish on the move.
- First-time lay-off into space, ahead of the run.
- Placed finish to the far post with the inside of the foot, or near post if the goalkeeper steps out early.
Common mistakes3
- Passing and standing still instead of starting the penetrating run.
- Lay-off to feet instead of into space, forcing the attacker to slow down.
- Shooting with full power without checking the goalkeeper's position.
Variations3
- Play the wall pass on the opposite side to finish with the weaker foot.
- The target player decides between laying off or letting the ball run so the attacker shoots directly.
- Add a second wall pass with a wide target player before the finish.
Progressions2
- Add a defender who leaves the end line as the lay-off is played and pressures the shot.
- Restrict the finish to one touch for the whole set.
Regressions2
- Allow two touches before the finish and move the line to 22 m from goal.
- Run the pattern without a goalkeeper to consolidate the wall-pass mechanics first.
Tips
- Alternate finishes on both sides so the goalkeeper also gets balanced work.
- Keep a team score to maintain concentration on the finish.