Offensive Soccer - Trying to Score vs Possession (finishing)

In offensive soccer, finishing usually affects a team's possession by putting the ball at risk and should be minimized unless a goal is needed or fairly likely to result. When protecting a narrow lead, there's no point in rushing all of your players forward in an attempt to score.In general, an attacker can never be certain that his attempts on goal will be successful. However, when a number of teammates are in or around the penalty box, shooting on goal can produce a dangerous rebound. When taking such 'ambitious' shots one must place the ball on goal or at least keep it below the crossbar. There's no chance of a rebound if the ball is kicked high over the net.

Shooting must be used when one finds himself in a position where his skills are capable and likely of producing a goal. If the given situation offers better alternatives for using possession, then a good finisher must realize that and restrain his attempt. The execution of the shot balances the risk of losing possession with the chance of scoring a goal. During matches, give constant feedback to your players of what the current value of possession is. Missed shots should be viewed as insight as to what went wrong.

Offensive Soccer - Finishing runs

Finishing runs are off the ball movements that increase a team's chance of scoring. Notice that a finishing run is not necessarily done with the intent of contacting the ball. For example, a dummy run will distract the enemy defense but the person initiating it has no intent of getting the ball himself. Encourage specific players, which you think are capable of scoring, to go up and make offense runs.The harmonious execution of the different runs within an attack is extremely important. Runs executed early or close to the ball usually draw most attention from the enemy defense. Weak or inexperienced teams tend to rush forward with too many direct runs. Direct runs move players either towards the ball carrier or the enemy goal. They are predictable and when overused are fairly easy to contain. Indirect runs, on the other hand, are far more difficult to anticipate. They can be made at all angles and if coordinated well can greatly increase the attacking potential of a team.

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