Lay-off and one-touch finish

Setup

1. A goalkeeper in goal. A striker stands just outside the box with their back to goal.
2. A defender stands close behind the striker, goal-side.
3. Midfielders line up 25 m out with the balls.

How it runs

1. The midfielder passes into the striker's feet and follows the pass.
2. The striker lays it off first time, then spins off the defender into the box.
3. The midfielder plays a first-time pass in behind; the striker finishes with one touch.
4. The midfielder becomes the next striker. Start the defender passive, then let them compete.

Coaching points

• Striker, lay-off with the inside of the foot, soft and into the runner's path.
• Spin off the defender's blind side the moment the ball leaves your foot.
• Midfielder, pass into the space ahead of the striker, not to their feet.
• Finish with a firm side-foot, low and across the goalkeeper.

Common mistakes

• The striker watches the lay-off instead of spinning straight away.
• The return pass is too close to the goalkeeper.
• Taking an extra touch in the box and getting closed down.