In this session filmed exclusively for Coaches’ Voice Academy, Stevenage Under-18 head coach Nick Mountford and assistant coach Mark Hughes lead their group through three practices focused on players’ position-specific requirements when attacking in the final third.

The session took place towards the end of an historic season for the Stevenage academy, in which Mountford’s Under-18s became the first team in the club’s history to reach the last 16 of the FA Youth Cup.

His final-third finishing session works on runs, crosses and finishes, as well as playing forwards, attacking quickly to goal and shape underneath the ball. It begins with an unopposed technical passing pattern, led by Hughes, that focuses on movement, timing and combination play. Players work through a rotating sequence of passes, before progressing the pattern to work a finish on goal.

Mountford then leads a breakout crossing and finishing game, featuring a 4v2 rondo before playing forward to wide players who cross for an opposed finish. The final practice focuses on players’ individual learning plans, cleverly combining two phases of play that include a goalkeeper, centre-back, midfielders, wide players and a centre-forward, working on position-specific technical details. The practice culminates in an opposed pattern of play that brings the players together to attack and defend a cross.

It is a detailed and well-organised session led by two coaches with a clear commitment to individual development within a team context. We hope you enjoy it!

Please also click below to access the accompanying session plan in PDF form.