One of the most popular finishing drills I often get asked for at the end of my sessions is the 3 shot challenge, involving a volley, a shift and hit and a finish of a cross. Whilst the first 2 take care of themselves, the 3rd (and often simplest) often ends with some horror misses, slices and even air shots as the finisher tries to smash the ball to take the back of the net off.
More or less every player begins the drill by trying to finish a cross that's fizzed across the face of goal with their laces. With pace on the ball, there's no need to try and finish this way. Get the safest surface you can (side of the foot) to direct the ball at the goal and control the finish into the back of the net. With you arriving onto the ball and pace already on the cross, the ball will fly into the net. It's important to control it and concentrate on hitting the target.
I've seen countless easy chances missed at all levels of the game from players trying to hit the ball unnecessarily hard, not least Jack Grealish in England's Euro Qualifying game against Italy last night. Having played their way into an impressive 2-0 lead, Jack had the chance to put the game to bed but a poor choice of technique meant he squandered an easy chance and instead of 3-0, the game went back to 2-1 after half time and England had to really scramble to cling on.
One poor choice was very nearly highly costly. Something to bear in mind next time you find yourself with a cross to finish and definitely a skill we will continue to practise at Youdan.
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