Stations teach kids that every shot is different. Distance changes. Angle changes. They learn to adjust. Dead-ball shooting is boring. Stations add variety and challenge.
What you need: 1 soccer ball per child. A goal or net. 3 cones marking shooting spots.
Setup: Mark 3 spots around the goal. Spot 1 is 12 feet directly in front. Spot 2 is 15 feet at a 45-degree angle. Spot 3 is 10 feet from the side.
How to run it:
- Child shoots from Spot 1. Using Plant, Lock, Strike, Finish. 3 shots.
- Move to Spot 2. Different distance and angle. 3 shots.
- Move to Spot 3. Tight angle from the side. 3 shots.
- Rotate back to Spot 1 and repeat.
- 2 full rotations (18 shots total).
What to watch: Do they adjust their plant foot and ankle lock for each angle? Or use the same motion every time?
If they’re struggling: Reduce shots per station to 2. Make the spots easier (more straight on).
If they’ve got it: Add a defender at one station who pressures after the shot is released.