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ShootingBeginner

Target Shooting

Players aim to hit cone targets placed inside the goal. Builds accuracy and gives young players a fun, clear target to aim for.

10 min
2–10 players
Goal, 4–6 cones (targets), 5–8 balls

Objective

Develop shooting accuracy by giving players specific targets to aim for inside the goal.

Target Shooting youth soccer drill demonstration

Visual Concept

SAim for targetsTarget ShootingAccuracy: hit specific zones

Top-down diagram — Shooting drill layout

Setup

Place a full-size or small goal. Put 3–4 cones inside the goal as targets — one in each corner and one in the centre. Players shoot from 8–10 yards.

How to Run It

1

Introduce targets

Show players the cone targets inside the goal. Explain that hitting a corner cone scores 2 points, centre cone scores 1 point.

2

Free shooting

Players take turns shooting and try to knock over a cone. Count their score over 5 shots.

3

Call the target

Before each shot, the player calls which cone they're aiming for — builds intentional aiming.

4

Competition

Players compete — highest score from 5 shots wins the round.

Coaching Cues

Pick your target before you approach the ball

Aim small — if you aim at the whole goal you'll miss the target

Slow down and be accurate — power comes later

Celebrate when you hit a target — great focus!

Variations

  • Move targets to different positions each round
  • Increase distance as accuracy improves
  • Team competition — which team knocks over the most cones?

Equipment Needed

  • Goal
  • 4–6 cones (targets)
  • 5–8 balls

Shop This Drill

Pop-Up Soccer Goals (2-pack)Coach Favorite

Set up in seconds. Perfect for small-sided games and shooting practice.

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Training Cones (50-pack)Most Popular

Classic tall cones for slalom drills, grids, and field marking.

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Size 4 Soccer BallU9–U12

Standard for U9–U12. Great for skill development and drill work.

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Tags

accuracytargetsfunU7
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