Football: Crossing and Finishing

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.

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.

Set up:

3 Attacking players from each team on each side of one half, taking it in turns.

If you have 2 GKs then have a GK for each team

Attacking players A1, A2 and A3 positioned as shown in diagram.

Description: 

A1 passes to A3, and runs towards the penalty area.

A2 runs behind A3 to the upper right corner of the field to be passed the ball.

A3 then also runs into the penalty area.

Out of the 2 strikers running in, the first person who gets to the box is the one who takes the front post. This will usually be A1 as they started running in first. Therefore A3 takes the back post.

A2 crosses in and A1/A3 finishes.

The opposition have the same set up the other side and they go while the other team is setting up again.

Swap the GK for the opposition

Having 2 teams makes the drill competitve

The teams switch sides after 10 crosses.

After 10 crosses each on each side the team who gets the most goals wins and you can make the other team do a forfeit. (For example a high intensity run)

Position 5 Attacking players as shown on the diagram and a GK in the goal.

Pass 1 --> 2 --> 3 --> 4 --> 5; with 5 running round from behind 4 to collect the pass. Have a mannequin set up either side of player 4.

After a player has made a pass they will move into the starting position of the person they have passed to. Form a line of players ready to make it a continuous drill.

This should be repeated on each side.