Modern Shooting and Finishing PDF
In this book we are going to explore some debates regarding issues related to finishing. It is common knowledge that the shot or kick is one of the most important elements of football, and thus it is one of the primary abilities required to successfully play the game.
It is one of the skills that is imperative to develop from a young age, and, though the terms may differ across the ages, the principle remains the same.
This book will include an overall explanation of the concept of finishing with practical implications, and several sample exercises that coaches can implement in their training sessions.
Technical ability is a major component that differentiates a top finisher from an average one. But finishing is not only a technical ability; it is a skill that combines several different factors, situations and emotions. It can be affected by the player in possession, the defender, the game conditions, even weather and pitch state. Thus, finishing is an ability which consists of a complex blend of technical, tactical, and mental strength factors.
In any given situation where the player in possession is in a position to finish, the following technical skills come into play:
- Ball Control
- Ball Mastery
- Passing
- Shooting
- Heading
- Dribbling (Before, during, and after a 1v1 situation).
As we know, shooting is crucial in scoring goals. However, it only gains value in successful combination with other factors such as speed of execution, creativity, and the ability to effectively “read” the game situation.
This blend of qualities ultimately gives the player the striking ability--finishing.
A football match can be influenced by several different unpredictable factors, and that is why the term “finishing” stretches far beyond just shooting.
No two finishing situations are ever the same, as they can be affected by the number of players involved, the speed at which the situation is developing, the score of the game, emotional pressure, condition of the pitch, weather conditions, player confidence, among other factors.
These factors are often overlooked. It is a common misconception that if a player has a great shot, he or she is a good finisher--that is not the case.
In a goal scoring opportunity, it is a player’s effective combination of the three skills mentioned below that will allow him to score the goal. We must also consider that the finishing move is related to power and finesse applied on the ball, which is proportional to the number of players around the player with the ball.
This can affect the angle of shot available to the finishing player and the time he or she has to execute the shot.
For example, if there are several defenders moving to close down the attacker, that reduces the time he has available to shoot, which can lead the striker to execute a power-based shot.
On the other hand, if there are several players obstructing the path to the goal, but those players are in the wall to block a free kick, the attacker may opt for a finesse-based shot as he has time available but a very limited angle for the shot.
It ultimately comes down to the individual player’s capability to make effective decisions in a game situation. Finishing is not just a technical skill, it is an ability that requires development using two methods: Static & Dynamic execution.
Static execution represents the motion analysis, the focus on impeccable technique. This method studies various ranges of motion, and its main goal is to achieve perfect technique. In order for this to happen, training is focused on specific, predictable movements, which are carried out without defensive pressure, in order to maintain the focus on the technique and not distract the player away from the process.
On the other hand, dynamic execution is represented through game situations, and it is focused on decision making through a demanding game-like scenario, which includes pressure, intensity, space/time awareness, and aims to improve the player’s in-game effectiveness, with a smaller focus on technique and “how” the result is achieved.
Mastery of static execution is often required or at least is a great advantage, in order to progress into effective dynamic execution.
How to set up a session? When we are working on finishing we must consider some aspects that will help us to lead the sessions: exercises and games useful for technical skills improvement, technical gesture repetition, and ball to player ratio.
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