Improve Shooting and Ball Control with This Game-Like Drill

joao572
Jun 18
2 min read

One of the most common things young players struggle with is combining a clean first touch with an accurate finish. This drill is a go-to in our sessions because it’s game-realistic, simple to set up, and consistently improves two key areas: ball control and shooting.

We’ve used it with players of all levels — from beginners to those preparing for trials — and it delivers every time.

🔧 Setup

You don’t need much:

A goal or target
A few cones
A few balls
Open space (a penalty box or half a field is ideal)

You can do this on your own or with a small group.

🏃‍♂️ How the Drill Works

Start behind a cone, receive a pass or self-serve the ball.
Take a controlled first touch to shift around the cone or into space.
Finish on goal — left foot, right foot, vary your angles.
Reset quickly and go again.

We encourage players to switch up their starting angles and recreate different match

scenarios — shooting off the turn, receiving under pressure, or hitting first-time shots.

🎯 Coaching Points

First touch should move you into space and set up the shot.
Stay balanced and low when striking the ball.
Scan the “goal” before shooting — build awareness early.
Focus on accuracy first, power second.

We’ve found that less is more — one touch to control, one touch to finish. That rhythm becomes second nature.

🚫 Common Mistakes

Rushing: Players often shoot before they’re balanced.
Over-touching: Too many touches kills the momentum.
Lazy setup: If the cone is treated like an obstacle instead of a defender, the drill loses value.

Make sure your setup is sharp and purposeful.

🧠 Why This Drill Matters

Match-winning moments often come down to what you do in 2–3 seconds: control the ball, create space, and shoot. This drill replicates that time pressure in a controlled way. It’s a great tool for building habits that translate directly to the game.

🎥 Watch It in Action below

⚽ Want to Train With Us?

If you're in Lisbon, come train with Futeballer. We work with youth players, school teams, and serious athletes looking to level up.

📩 Reach out here to learn more.