Soccer Attacking Drill
Turn and Score
Get the ball with your back to goal, turn away from the defender and score in one of two small goals. Learn to look over your shoulder and turn fast.
Step 1 of 5
The server (S) has the balls. The attacker (A) has their back to the goals and the defender (D) is behind A.
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- 3–8
- Ages
- 6–16U7–U17
- Pace
- Medium
Works on
- Ball control
- Shooting
- Wins the ball
Set up
- Mark an area about 20 yards long and 15 yards wide. Put 2 small goals on one end line, about 10 yards apart, facing in.
- A server with the balls stands at the other end. The other players line up beside the server.
- One attacker stands in the middle with their back to the goals. One defender stands a few yards behind the attacker.
- Space
- 20 x 15 yards with 2 small goals at one end
- You need
- 2 small pop-up goals · 4 cones for the corners · Lots of balls · Pinnies for the defenders
How to play
- The server passes to the attacker. The defender may move once the pass is played.
- The attacker looks over the shoulder, turns and tries to score in either goal.
- If the defender wins the ball, they score by passing it back to the server.
- Then rotate: server to attacker, attacker to defender, defender to the line.
- Give every player 4 to 6 turns.
Coaching points
- Look over your shoulder before the ball arrives: where is the defender?
- Defender close? Turn away from them, or shield the ball first.
- Defender far away? Turn with your first touch and go.
- Shoot early, at the goal the defender isn’t guarding.
Easier
The defender starts further away, or only walks for the first 3 seconds.
Harder
The defender starts right behind the attacker. Add a second attacker for a 2v1, or give the attacker 5 seconds to score.
Run it at your next practice
With a free account, put Turn and Score in a practice plan with its minutes and water breaks. At the field the clock moves on to the next drill by itself.