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Football: Attacking the Crossed Ball

Very good interactive coaching drills.

Matt

DESCRIPTION

Organize groups of 6. Station goalkeepers in a goal at each end line. Place 2 players inside the area and 2 wide players outside the area. Goalkeepers should have a supply of balls. Repeat in another area for a total of 12 players.

White goalkeeper distributes the ball to player white 1, who advances the ball up the touchline with his first touch and crosses the ball to player white 2 with his second touch. Keepers must stay on their line throughout the practice. Repeat in the opposite direction from red goalkeeper to red player 1 and red player 2. The wide player should attempt to vary his crosses to near, middle and far post positions.

COACHING POINTS

Progressions:
1. Which team is the first to score 5 goals by either a header, volley or flick.
2. Player W1 and W2 compete against the red team with the white goalkeeper playing with the white team and the red goalkeeper playing with the red team.
The ball should arrive between head and knee height in front of the attacker.
For near post crosses, aim to hit the edge of the 6 yard box in line with the near post.

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OFTEN USED WITH...

1-2 and cross:

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.

Crossing and Finishing

Attacking From Crosses 2 vs 1:

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.

Crossing and Finishing

2 Player Crossing Drill:

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.

Crossing and Finishing