Football Shooting Drill – Volley Shot

Diagram of volley shooting drill with servers on each flank.

Volleys win matches, but only when players are comfortable striking the ball before it hits the ground. This drill turns volley practice into a high-energy competition that also tests keepers and throw-in accuracy.

Setup

  • Players: 11+ (two teams of five shooters plus one goalkeeper). Larger squads can duplicate the drill on the opposite half.
  • Area: Half pitch with a full-size goal.
  • Equipment: Minimum 10 balls, cones marking shooting lanes, and two serving stations (left and right) just outside the box.

Assign one server per flank to deliver throw-in style feeds. Ensure left-footed players are split evenly.

Rules

  1. Servers alternate sides: left feed → right feed → repeat.
  2. When the ball comes from the left, the shooter must strike with the right foot; from the right, finish with the left.
  3. Only volleys or half-volleys count. If the ball touches the ground twice, the rep is void.
  4. Keepers stay active—do not pause for resets. Servers grab a new ball immediately.
  5. Run two-round cycles: first round with strong foot, second round with weak foot. After each cycle, swap servers with shooters so everyone practices both roles.
  6. Award 1 point for every goal, -1 for scuffed shots that miss the target entirely. Track totals per team.

Coaching cues

  • Approach at a slight angle so your hips can open toward the far post.
  • Lock the ankle, strike through the centre or top half of the ball for dipping volleys.
  • Encourage shooters to land on their striking foot to maintain balance.
  • Servers should aim chest-high, curling slightly toward the strike foot for a natural swing.
  • Goalkeepers work on resetting quickly—no time to complain about traffic in the box.

Variations

  • Allow chest control + volley if players are struggling.
  • Add mannequin defenders to force curved runs.
  • Challenge keepers by reducing their area (e.g., must stay inside a 2 m channel).

Benefits

  • Technique: Dozens of reps teach players to judge the drop and contact cleanly.
  • Two-footed finishing: The alternating feeds guarantee weak-foot practice.
  • Throw-in quality: Servers learn to deliver accurate, looping balls.
  • Goalkeeper sharpness: Flurry of shots improves reflexes and recovery footwork.

Record the best volleys and tag @footballtechnik — we might feature your team’s highlight reel.