Football: Attacking the Crossed Ball

Set up as shown.

Player 1 starts with the ball in the middle of the field and plays a 1-2 pass with player 2 before passing out wide to player 3.

At this point, players 1 and 2 run towards the penalty area, ready to receive a cross, while one of the defenders goes out wide to put pressure on the crosser.

Player 3 will cross the ball into the box where players 1 and 2 will try to beat the defender to it and score.

Two players begin the drill on the wings with the ball, while to players wait in the centre.

The two players on the wing will run in opposite directions (attacking opposite goals).

The central players begin their run once the crosser has taken their first touch.

After the cross has been delivered players swap roles.

Players on the wing run with the ball down the side of the pitch before crossing for an attacker who has ran into the area, usually at the far post.

Attackers begin further back than the wingers and in line with the corner of the penalty area. Once the coach blows his whistle, the attacker must sprint at full speed to reach the area and get on the end of the cross.

The player stood on the half-way line passes to the player up field and then runs in to create an overlapping run.

The player on the ball can choose to:

1. Take on their defender.
2. Pass to the supporting striker.
3. Pass to the overlapping player.

The attackers should play out the drill and try to score.