8 Soccer Finishing Drills to Sharpen Your Scoring Skills (2024 Update)
Scoring goals is one of the most exciting parts of soccer—and one of the hardest to master. It’s not just about power; it’s about timing, precision, confidence, and composure. Whether you’re a striker, winger, or even a midfielder who likes to join the attack, solid finishing is a must-have skill.
The best finishers don’t just kick and hope. They practice under pressure, learn how to read the keeper, and make quick decisions in tight spaces. And that’s exactly what these 8 finishing drills will help you do.
In this 2024 update, we’ve brought together a collection of tried-and-true finishing drills that help players at every level—youth to elite—build their goal-scoring instincts. So grab a few cones, a ball, maybe a partner or two, and get to work!
1. One-Touch Finishing Drill
What it improves: First-time finishing, reaction speed, timing.
In this drill, a teammate or coach passes the ball across the box, and you take one-touch shots on goal. The goal is to finish without controlling the ball first—just like in a real match.
How to do it:
- Stand at the top or side of the box.
- A partner rolls or passes the ball into your path.
- Finish with one touch using either foot.
- Alternate positions and angles.
Advanced tip: Add a defender closing in or a time limit to simulate pressure.
2. Turning and Shooting Drill
What it improves: Ball control under pressure, quick turns, finishing from tight angles.
This drill mimics what strikers often experience—receiving the ball with their back to goal and needing to turn quickly before shooting.
How to do it:
- Start with your back to goal.
- Have a partner pass the ball to your feet.
- Take a controlling touch, turn, and shoot.
- Switch angles and try using both feet.
Pro tip: Practice different turns—Cruyff turn, inside cut, or outside spin—to vary the finish.
3. Crossing and Finishing Drill
What it improves: Timing runs, positioning, finishing from wide deliveries.
This classic drill is all about working on your ability to score from crosses. Whether it’s a ground pass or an aerial delivery, you’ll need to read the ball and react quickly.
How to do it:
- Have a teammate cross the ball from the wing.
- Time your run into the box to meet the cross.
- Focus on clean contact—inside foot, laces, or headers.
Pro tip: Work on different runs—near post, far post, and late arrivals—for variety.
4. 1v1 Finishing Drill
What it improves: Composure under pressure, creativity, decision-making.
This drill pits attacker vs. defender with the goal of getting past the defender and scoring. It’s game-like and teaches you how to keep calm when the pressure’s on.
How to do it:
- Set up a small 1v1 area, about 10–15 yards from goal.
- The attacker receives the ball and tries to beat the defender to score.
- Rotate roles after a few rounds.
Pro tip: Mix in feints, body shifts, and quick changes of direction to throw off the defender.
5. Rebound Finishing Drill
What it improves: Reaction time, second-chance goals, follow-up awareness.
Goals often come from rebounds, so this drill focuses on staying alert and reacting fast after a save or deflection.
How to do it:
- Have a teammate or coach take an initial shot on goal.
- Position yourself near the box.
- React to any rebounds and finish quickly.
Pro tip: Don’t give up after the first miss. Always assume the ball is live.
6. Weak Foot Finishing Drill
What it improves: Confidence and skill with your non-dominant foot.
Top players don’t rely on just one foot to score. This drill forces you to work on your weak foot, which can be a game-changer.
How to do it:
- Set up a series of simple finishes from different angles.
- Use only your non-dominant foot to shoot.
- Focus on clean technique over power.
Pro tip: Start close to goal and gradually increase the distance as you improve.
7. First-Touch & Finish Drill
What it improves: Controlling fast passes, quick shooting, decision-making.
In this drill, the goal is to receive a quick pass, take a clean first touch to set yourself up, and finish in one smooth motion.
How to do it:
- Partner passes the ball to you at speed.
- Take one touch to control and one to finish.
- Vary your body position and foot used.
Pro tip: Challenge yourself to control and shoot while on the move, not just standing still.
8. Finishing Under Pressure Drill
What it improves: Mental toughness, accuracy, decision-making under fatigue.
This game-like drill puts you under physical and mental stress. You’ll be pushed to make fast, smart decisions when tired—just like in real matches.
How to do it:
- Do a sprint or agility drill before receiving the ball.
- After the run, control the ball and finish quickly.
- Add a defender or tight angle for difficulty.
Pro tip: Focus on technique, even when tired. Don’t just blast the ball—place it with purpose.
Bonus Tips to Improve Finishing
Want to take your finishing skills to the next level? These tips will give you an edge:
- Keep your head down when shooting. Watch the ball until your foot makes contact.
- Vary your finishes. Practice chips, low drives, power shots, and finesse shots.
- Use both feet. The more comfortable you are on your weak foot, the more dangerous you become.
- Visualize success. Picture yourself scoring in games and rehearse that confidence during training.
- Don’t wait for the perfect ball. Learn to react to awkward passes, bounces, and rebounds.
Table of Contents
FAQs – Soccer Finishing Drills
Q1: How often should I practice finishing?
A: Aim for 3–4 focused sessions per week. Quality matters more than quantity—stay sharp, not exhausted.
Q2: Should I focus on power or placement?
A: Both are important, but placement usually wins in tight situations. Learn to pick your spot and then add power.
Q3: Can these drills be done alone?
A: Some, like one-touch shooting or weak foot drills, can be done solo with a rebounder or wall. Others work better with a partner or coach.
Q4: What’s the best way to get better at finishing under pressure?
A: Simulate pressure—add defenders, do fitness work before finishing, or compete against others. The more game-like, the better.
Q5: How can I track progress with finishing drills?
A: Set measurable goals—like number of goals in 10 shots, weak foot accuracy, or shots placed in corners. Track and aim to improve weekly.
Final Thoughts: Great Finishers Are Made Through Reps and Reactions
Finishing is more than just kicking the ball into the net—it’s a mix of instinct, skill, timing, and nerves of steel. These 8 soccer finishing drills give you everything you need to train like a pro and become the kind of player who knows exactly what to do in front of goal.
Work on your weak foot. Learn how to shoot while tired. Practice turning and finishing under pressure. And most of all—repeat, repeat, repeat. Consistency builds confidence.
So whether you’re training for your next big match or just want to become your team’s go-to goal scorer, make these drills a regular part of your routine. The more you train, the more you’ll score—and the more you’ll love the feeling of putting the ball in the back of the net.
