Late-Call Shooting: Left Goal or Right Goal
The shooter receives a pass and, at the last second, a teammate calls "right" or "left": the shooter kicks at the mini goal on that side with the foot on that side. Students practice laterality in kicking, decision-making and reaction.
How to play
- Set up 4 stations with two 6-foot cone mini goals, one on each side, 8 yards from the shooting line and 8 yards apart. Groups of 6: passer, shooter, caller and 3 retrievers (3 min).
- Technique: each shooter kicks 3 stationary balls at the right goal with the right foot and 3 at the left goal with the left foot (3 min).
- The passer rolls the ball from 6 yards; halfway there the caller shouts "Right!" or "Left!" and the shooter kicks at that goal with that foot (6 min).
- Right goal and foot, 2 points; goal only, 1 point. Each shooter takes 4 balls, then roles rotate.
- Color round: the caller names a goal color and the shooter translates it into a side and foot (5 min).
- Each group totals its points and discusses which foot is harder when the call is late (3 min).
Rules
- Retrievers wait outside the goals and go in only after the shot.
- Keep shots low, never at head height.
- Keep 5 yards between stations, all shooting the same direction.
Variations
Easier
The call comes before the pass, and the shooter traps first.
Standard
Call at halfway, then shoot first-touch or after one trap.
Harder
The call comes when the ball is 2 yards away and every shot is first-touch.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: students using wheelchairs strike with the called-side hand or the side of the chair.
- Hearing impairment: the caller points at the goal, within the shooter's line of sight.
- Skill level: skilled kickers shoot at 3-foot goals; beginners may use either foot.
Learning goals
- Kick the ball with the foot on the called side.
- Make quick decisions after a late signal.
- Aim a shot to the right or left accurately.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soccer balls: 12
- colored cones: 16
Teacher tip
If the shooter looks at the caller, they lose the ball, so place the caller behind the passer. Lefties tend to always use their left; here the called side is the boss.
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