Full back closes down the player who is about to cross, whilst the rest of the defenders use tight zonal marking. The main objective is that the danger zones are covered in that the front post, penalty spot and back post are guarded by the defenders. A perhaps more striking feature is that centre mid and opposite wide midfielder secure the top of the box, preventing cutback crosses being made. This is a vital feature as many teams score from cutback crosses and most sides, even with a double pivot, usually neglect this area.
have all important zones covered on crosses.
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
sportplan_football
Four Halloween-themed games sneak a full warm-up, finishing, rondo and small-sided game into one junior football session this week.
Deliberate heading is now out of U11 grassroots matches. Here is how to coach chest, thigh and foot control so your players still win the ball in the air.
Long-range goals doubled at the 2026 World Cup as teams sat deep. Here is how to coach when to shoot from distance, the technique, and the follow-up.
