This is a great crossing and finishing activity that allows a focus on a short build up, combination play, timing of runs, crossing, and finishing. Set training sticks on each sideline about 5 yds in and equal to the top of the 18yd box. These will serve as an obstacle for the crosser to run around to make sure they are getting as wide as they can. Set a cone about 10 yds from each of the sticks towards mid-field. This will be the starting point of the outside crossing players. About 12 to 15 yds from the 18 yd box create a grid that is about 15 yds wide and 10 yds deep. Each of these cones will be a starting point for each of the players to perform the combination play. Player 1 starts with the ball and passes to player 2 who lays the ball off in the direction of player 3. Player 2 then makes a run around and behind player 3 and makes a back post run. Player 3 then passes a firm ball into the corner of the field into space for player 4 and makes a run around player 2's cone and times their run onto the front post. Player 4 makes a run around the outside of the training stick towards the corner of the field, has a prep touch and serves the ball into the forwards. The forwards should work together to finish on goal. The first two players step up to the next cone in the grid. Repeat in the other direction. Progression: Have the players use 1-touch except for the crossers. The crossers can use 2-touch unless they can use 1-touch. Start adding defenders in the center.
clean, crisp passes good movement to build up the cross time runs of forwards crosser has good prep touch and good cross into the runs of the forwards crosses need to be out just far enough so keeper cannot reach it learn to read when to cross in the air versus on the ground
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
sportplan_football
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