Developing Football Shooting

Lesson Details

• Subject: Physical Education
• Year Group: Year 9
• Lesson Duration: 40 minutes
• Class Size: 30 students
• Curriculum Link: National Curriculum for PE (England) – Key Stage 3
  • Area Covered: Developing technique and accuracy in shooting within game-based scenarios.
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Improve shooting accuracy and power in football.
    • Apply shooting techniques in small-sided game situations.
    • Develop decision-making on when and how to shoot.

Equipment Required

• 2 x 9-a-side goals
• Pop-up nets
• Poles (to simulate defenders or passing gates)
• Footballs (1 per 2 students)
• Bibs (to differentiate teams)

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Warm-Up (8 minutes)

Objective: Physically prepare students and introduce key movements related to shooting.

• Dynamic Movements (4 min)

  • Light jog around the pitch.
  • High knees, heel flicks, lateral shuffles.
  • Short sprints with sudden changes of direction.

• Shooting Activation Drill (4 min)

  • Students pair up and stand 5m apart.
  • One student rolls the ball; the other performs a first-time pass into a small goal (mini pop-up goals).
  • Encourage focus on body positioning and striking accuracy.

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2. Technical Focus: Shooting (12 minutes)

Objective: Develop controlled and powerful shots.

• Technique Breakdown (2 min)

  • Body positioning over the ball.
  • Contact with laces for power, inside of the foot for accuracy.
  • Non-kicking foot and follow-through.

• Shooting Drill – Pressure Finishing (10 min)

  • Set-Up:
    • Create two shooting stations using the 9-a-side goals.
    • 2-3 feeder passers positioned outside the penalty area.
    • 1 defender (marked with poles as guidance to simulate pressure).
  • Activity:
    • Each shooter receives a pass and must finish under limited touches (1 or 2).
    • Encourage quick decision-making: power vs placement.
    • Rotate roles every 2 minutes.

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3. Game-Based Application (15 minutes)

Objective: Apply shooting techniques in match conditions.

• Small-Sided Matches (10 min)

  • Set-Up:
    • 3 teams of 10 (two play, one rests and observes for key shooting moments).
    • Normal 6v6 play (goalkeepers included) with a focus on finishing.
    • Extra Challenge: Teams must attempt to score within 3 passes once they enter the opposition’s half.
  • Coaching Interventions:
    • Pause play and ask: "What could you have done differently before shooting?"
    • Encourage positioning for rebounds and quick follow-ups.

• Scenario Challenge – ‘Last-Minute Winner’ (5 min)

  • Set-Up:
    • Each team has a final one-minute attack where they must get a shot on goal.
    • If they score, they earn an extra possession.
  • Objective:
    • Simulate real-game ‘goal-scoring urgency’.
    • Reinforce decision-making under pressure.

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4. Cool Down & Reflection (5 minutes)

Objective: Gradual cooldown and reflection on shooting performance.

• Cooldown Activities (3 min)

  • Light jogging reducing into a walk.
  • Static stretching (hamstrings, quadriceps, calves).

• Reflection Discussion (2 min)

  • Ask students:
    • Which shooting technique worked best for you?
    • What could you improve in match situations?
    • How can you position yourself better for shooting opportunities?

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Assessment & Differentiation

Formative Assessment:

• Observation of shooting technique.
• Questioning during the session to check understanding.
• Game-play performance (ability to convert chances under game-like conditions).

Differentiation Strategies:

• Higher ability students: Challenge them to shoot with their weaker foot or attempt volleys.
• Lower ability students: Provide extra time/touches when finishing. Encourage shooting after dribbles instead of direct passes.

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Final Notes for Teachers

• Keep energy levels high – students respond well to competition-based tasks.
• Use peer feedback – encourage students to give constructive comments on finishing technique.
• Modify based on progress – if shooting accuracy improves quickly, tweak drills to incorporate off-the-ball movement after a shot.

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End of Lesson Plan