Contact Help center
Football Football
HOME Football Coaching Trends SEARCH

Football: winger

winger DRILLS
View All

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

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

3 Style Shooting

Set up 3 cones (or poles) spaced as shown in the diagram. Have a mannequin positioned on either side of the middle, just before the penalty box. Have a Player positioned on the backline to the left side in the penalty box with a ball. Have another Player (W) positioned out wide to the right side with a ball. A Player starts halfway between the centre circle and goal; dribbles the ball around the cones and in between the mannequins to take a shot. After first shot, Player quickly moves around the left hand mannequin and gets a cross from the wide player. Then the Player recovers around the right hand mannequin to receive the ball from the player on the goal line. Rotate the players around ever play (shooter > winger > backline player > shooter line)

Shooting

3 v 2

Set up 2 goals 10-15m apart. Divide in to 2 groups and line up either side of the goals. 3 from one side and 2 from the other enter. The 3 must beat the defender and score

Crossing and Finishing

Advancement of full backs defending

Objective: To defend against a winger or opposite full back overlapping Detail: This practice uses 7 players (2 full backs 2 wide players 1 CB 1 Att 1 GK) Use the same area/side of the pitch as above. Serving full back serves the ball from half way line. Defensive full back starts 10 yards outside of 18 yard box. Attacking full back passes the ball to wide player. As ball travels defending full back pressurises ball. Full back can now pass to centre forward or overlapping full back. Defending centre back and wide player are added. Full Back: Having pressured wide player, if opposing full back overlaps, defensive full back tracks overlapping run. If wide player passes or dribbles inside to centre forward full back tucks in close to centre back. Wide Player: If full back overlaps, wide player to pressurise opposing wide player and force the ball down the line. Centre Back: Move within 10 yards of full back to remain compact whilst positioning ball side of centre forward.

Defending

Diamond formation practice

Diamond formation midfield in an 11 a side game. Reds vs blue. Set up in the formation: 2 strikers, diamond midfield, 4 defenders and a GK. The midfield players are attempting to channel the attackers to one side of play, to keep pushing them out towards the side and limit their options. Encourage individuals to channel the ball and contain players in certain areas and to be aware of covering other Defenders.

Defending

Get through the grid to cross

4 attacking players keep switching the ball (each transfer has to go via both link players). Only one defender is only allowed to go out and defend when the attackers have received the ball. If the attacking team switch the ball the defender has to pass the ball to the other defender who has to stop the ball before then being allowed to defend against the wing player. The aim is for one of the wingers to dribble the ball through the grid on the side line and then cross the ball to the opposite winger coming in.

Crossing and Finishing

Passing wide to cross and finish

Set up: Cone off an area 2 areas: Width 44 yards length 20 yards one above the other. At each side of one area have an extra square of 5 yards. Set up a 2 goals, one at the top of the areas and one at the bottom. Red team players: GK, 2 Defenders in the bottom area, 2 Attackers in the top area and 2 wingers, one in each 5 yard square. Blue team players: GK, 2 Defenders in top area, 2 Attackers in bottom area. Description: Red team start with the ball. Passes: GK -> Defender (or straight to winger) -> winger Winger crosses to one of the Attacking players who can either pass the ball to the other Attacker or take a shot. If Blue team win the ball then they can go for goal although they don't have the same wide options.

Crossing and Finishing

Shoot, Recover, Finish

Make a pitch from the edge of one penalty box to the same the other end, full width. Set up a goal with a GK at each end. A group of Attackers start in the centre circle. A group of Defenders start offset to the left of them. The coach feeds the ball in to and Attacker and they run forward to a 1 vs 1 situation with 1 Defender. The Attacker should take on the Defender and attempt to score. Once the Attacker has taken a shot they recover in an arc to receive a ball cross in from the right side. As this is going on, when the GK at the other end has seen the coach pass the first ball then they pass the ball to a player in the fullback position out to the right (F). F passes the ball down the line to a winger (W), who will be the one to cross the ball in after the Attacker has taken their first shot. At the same time the exact same is happening at the other end of the pitch. Players move positions: The Attacker becomes the F for the other side, attacking in the other direction. F follows their pass to become the W, the W joins the line of Attackers. Rotate the Defenders after 5 minutes. Play different progressions/variations for about 30 minutes in total. Includes breaks for water and feedback to the players

Crossing and Finishing

Wonder Wingers

Set up 4 meter wide channels along each sideline. Play 3 vs 3 in the middle area (between the channels) with a goalkeeper at both ends. Station one player in each channel. The object of the game is to get the ball to your wide player as quickly as possible. As soon as the wide player receives the ball they should sprint to the goal line and cross the ball in towards the goal to their team mates who are attacking the near and far posts.

Crossing and Finishing

Wonder Wingers Crossing and Fi...

Set up 4 meter wide channels along each sideline. Play 3 vs 3 in the middle area (between the channels) with a goalkeeper at both ends. Station one player in each channel. The object of the game is to get the ball to your wide player as quickly as possible. As soon as the wide player receives the ball they should sprint to the goal line and cross the ball in towards the goal to their team mates who are attacking the near and far posts.

General

Football: Full backs defending...

Objective: To defend as a full back in a 1 v 1 situationDetail:This practice uses only 4 players (2 full backs 1 winger 1 GK).Use half a pitch down either side.Serving full back serves the ball from the half way line into the winger.Defensive full back starts 10 yards outside the 18 yard box.Serving full back passes ball into wide player, and as ball travels defending full back pressurises the ball.Close down wide player quickly cutting off the line preventing wide player getting passed into coned area.Slow down within 2-3 yards to prevent wide player getting past, but close enough to prevent building up speed.Jockey and lead with nearest foot if ball can be won.

General

Get through the grid to cross ...

4 attacking players keep switching the ball (each transfer has to go via both link players). Only one defender is only allowed to go out and defend when the attackers have received the ball. If the attacking team switch the ball the defender has to pass the ball to the other defender who has to stop the ball before then being allowed to defend against the wing player. The aim is for one of the wingers to dribble the ball through the grid on the side line and then cross the ball to the opposite winger coming in.

General

Football: Passing wide to cros...

Set up:Cone off an area 2 areas: Width 44 yards length 20 yards one above the other. At each side of one area have an extra square of 5 yards.Set up a 2 goals, one at the top of the areas and one at the bottom.Red team players: GK, 2 Defenders in the bottom area, 2 Attackers in the top area and 2 wingers, one in each 5 yard square. Blue team players: GK, 2 Defenders in top area, 2 Attackers in bottom area.Description: Red team start with the ball.Passes:GK -> Defender (or straight to winger) -> wingerWinger crosses to one of the Attacking players who can either pass the ball to the other Attacker or take a shot.If Blue team win the ball then they can go for goal although they don't have the same wide options.

General

3 Style Shooting Shooting - Fo...

Set up 3 cones (or poles) spaced as shown in the diagram.Have a mannequin positioned on either side of the middle, just before the penalty box.Have a Player positioned on the backline to the left side in the penalty box with a ball.Have another Player (W) positioned out wide to the right side with a ball.A Player starts halfway between the centre circle and goal; dribbles the ball around the cones and in between the mannequins to take a shot.After first shot, Player quickly moves around the left hand mannequin and gets a cross from the wide player. Then the Player recovers around the right hand mannequin to receive the ball from the player on the goal line.Rotate the players around ever play (shooter > winger > backline player > shooter line)

General

Football: Advancement of full ...

Objective: To defend against a winger or opposite full back overlappingDetail:This practice uses 7 players (2 full backs 2 wide players 1 CB 1 Att 1 GK)Use the same area/side of the pitch as above.Serving full back serves the ball from half way line. Defensive full back starts 10 yards outside of 18 yard box.Attacking full back passes the ball to wide player. As ball travels defending full back pressurises ball. Full back can now pass to centre forward or overlapping full back.Defending centre back and wide player are added.Full Back: Having pressured wide player, if opposing full back overlaps, defensive full back tracks overlapping run.If wide player passes or dribbles inside to centre forward full back tucks in close to centre back.Wide Player: If full back overlaps, wide player to pressurise opposing wide player and force the ball down the line.Centre Back: Move within 10 yards of full back to remain compact whilst positioning ball side of centre forward.

General

Shoot, Recover, Finish Crossin...

Make a pitch from the edge of one penalty box to the same the other end, full width. Set up a goal with a GK at each end.A group of Attackers start in the centre circle. A group of Defenders start offset to the left of them.The coach feeds the ball in to and Attacker and they run forward to a 1 vs 1 situation with 1 Defender. The Attacker should take on the Defender and attempt to score.Once the Attacker has taken a shot they recover in an arc to receive a ball cross in from the right side.As this is going on, when the GK at the other end has seen the coach pass the first ball then they pass the ball to a player in the fullback position out to the right (F).F passes the ball down the line to a winger (W), who will be the one to cross the ball in after the Attacker has taken their first shot.At the same time the exact same is happening at the other end of the pitch.Players move positions:The Attacker becomes the F for the other side, attacking in the other direction. F follows their pass to become the W, the W joins the line of Attackers. Rotate the Defenders after 5 minutes. Play different progressions/variations for about 30 minutes in total.Includes breaks for water and feedback to the players

General

9 v 9 Wide Play Conditioned ga...

Setup: 50 x 40 with wide zone for full backs / wingersExplanation: Ball starts with either the coach or either GK.Once the ball is in play, the defending team are tasked with getting immediate pressure on the ball from front to back.1st and 2nd defenders show press aggressively and force the opposition to play backwards or side wards or long.Look for clear communication from players in positions behind to help support the closest players to the ball.Aim is to win the ball back and counter attack quickly or regain controlled possession.

General

2 Player Crossing Drill Crossi...

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.

General

Transfer skills Crossing and F...

2 Players transfer the ball from right to left at the same time. It is important for players to receive the ball from the player on their right. They should move closer to the passer. On receiving the ball, the first touch should be played towards the intended pass. Once the ball is transferred the player runs back to transfer the next ball.

General

Diamond formation practice Def...

Diamond formation midfield in an 11 a side game. Reds vs blue.Set up in the formation:2 strikers, diamond midfield, 4 defenders and a GK.The midfield players are attempting to channel the attackers to one side of play, to keep pushing them out towards the side and limit their options.Encourage individuals to channel the ball and contain players in certain areas and to be aware of covering other Defenders.

General

1-2 and cross Crossing and Fin...

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.

General

Wingmen Conditioned games - Fo...

Played across a half pitch. The red team have a player outside the dotted lines - to promote the use of width. The blue team must play inside the middle channel, and score between either of their two smaller goals.

General

Scoring From Crosses Crossing ...

Player 2 receives the ball from player 1. <BR> Player 2 receives the ball on the half turn towards the touchline. <BR> Player 2 travels with the ball and crosses the ball into the penalty area for the attacking player.

General

3 v 2 Crossing and Finishing -...

Set up 2 goals 10-15m apart. Divide in to 2 groups and line up either side of the goals.3 from one side and 2 from the other enter.The 3 must beat the defender and score

General

Early Cross Crossing and Finis...

Set out 5 x 15 yard channels in each corner of the area as shown in the diagram. Station one player in each channel. Play 2 v 2 in central area.The goalkeeper serves the ball to one of his two teammates in the central area. The goal is to get the ball to either of your teams players stationed in a channel. This player delivers a crossed ball into the attacking area. The two attacking players stagger their runs into the near post, mid-goal and far post areas. Finish with a shot or header on goal.<br>Progression: When the wide player gets the ball in the channel the opposing wide player on his side of the field may run into his area to challenge the cross.

General

Play ball wide Crossing and Fi...

Player 1 playes the ball to player 2 to draw the defender player 2 passes the ball back to player 1 when the defender comes close to player 1 player 1 passes the ball wide to player 3 who runs down the wing and crosses the ball into the box either to the near or far post depending on where the defender moves to.

General

Pass Wide, Cross and Attacking...

Players line up in 3 queues, with the ball starting with player 1. Player 1 makes a 1-2 pass with player 2 before passing the ball down the line for player 3 to run onto. Player 3 times their run to meet the pass and gets the ball under control before swinging a cross into the box for the players 1 and 2 to run onto and head into the goal.

General

Football: Crossing and Finishi...

Position 5 Attacking players as shown on the diagram and a GK in the goal.Pass 1 --&gt; 2 --&gt; 3 --&gt; 4 --&gt; 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.

General

Decision-making and creating t...

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: Take on their defender. Pass to the supporting striker. Pass to the overlapping player. The attackers should play out the drill and try to score.

General

Break football Crossing and Fi...

2 players outside the area play a ball into one of their players in the grid. The 2 players in the grid play 2 v 4 to try and score a goal on the half way line by dribbling the balll through the gate. The 4 players try to win the ball and when they do they have to break as quick as they can and try to score a goal. the only 2 defenders that can stop them are the 2 defenders out side the grid. (Blue dot players)

General

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
winger DRILL CATEGORIES
View All
Dribbling Drills
Dribbling Drills
winger SESSIONS
View All

Introducing the Overlap - Overlapping Attack!

Create the extra man with the attacking overlap - a fluid and attacking style of passing football for all players - defence, midfield or strikers

Attacking Movement, 1v1 Confidence and Overload Play

Technical 1v1 practice and overload games session, designed to improve confidence on the ball, get players making better attacking runs and prepare your team for match day

Shooting: Crossing and Finishing

Deliver the pas to set up a simple finish for your strikers. Scoring goals will win you the game so make sure you are providing the easiest chances to give your strikers the best chance of putting it in the net.

Crossing & Finishing

Exploit the flanks and get your wide players whipping balls into the danger areas for your forwards to put away. Work on the delivery into the box and the forwards movements to anticipate and reach the cross.

Crossing and Finishing

Utilising the width with wingers able to deliver a pin-point ball for your strikers is a proven way to breed success.

Crossing Champions - Improving crossing conversion

Use the width of the football pitch to get your players driving down the wings and crossing the ball into the opposition's penalty area for your attackers

Position Specific Crossing

Improve your team's crossing game - From defensive clearances to scoring goals - working on all positions from defence to attack!
winger ANSWERS
View All

Does anyone have any sessons/suggestions for coaching kickoffs?

Does anyone have any sessons/suggestions for coaching the kickoff, we seem to lose the ball nearly everytime which puts the team under pressure straight away, Thanks

Archived User Coach

Coaching the defences at attack from flanks?

Any suggestions for coaching the defences at attack from flanks?

Away Ng Coach, Hong Kong

How to defend against wide play?

how to defend against wide play or wide areas? any ideas? Thanks

jose guerrero Coach, United States of America

How to gain speed in football

I'm a winger and need to gain speed to score, any exercises that help speed? Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Archived User Coach

Teaching a player a different position

Hi I am a novice coach but have an excellent left midfielder who needs to learn another position- any suggestions on which position and how I go about it? Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Marieke Zieleman Coach, New Zealand

4-3-3 and U23s - basic coaching methodology

I'm coaching a u23 development squad and due to the nature of them bringing eligibility rules this year, we have a squad of variable quality. Any tips/drill/s plans around effectively coaching 433 would be awesome.

Daniel Rock Coach, New Zealand

Need tips on how best to develop technical abilities quickly

I have little experience as a coach but have been tasked with coaching a u14/15 team with barely any footballing experience. I know the basics of a session from my years of playing but could use some tips on what elements I can focus on to help develop my players' technical abilities as quickly as possible.

Sarah Coach, South Africa

training alone

how can i practice my crossing, passing, dribbling and shooting as a winger

cooper Coach, Australia

More Dills

is there one for a 3 person crossing drill ?

Connor 0 Coach, England

left winger position

i am a player can Some one teach me how to Take my position as a left winger While atacking with vidéo if possible?

Aymen elhassani Coach, England

training alone | Sportplan

how can i practice my crossing, passing, dribbling and shooting as a winger

cooper Coach, Australia

How to defend against wide pla...

how to defend against wide play or wide areas? any ideas? Thanks

jose guerrero Coach, United States of America

Looking for mini-soccer 7-a-si...

Hi, My team plays in a mini soccer league which is 7v7. Whats the best formation to play in the environment. We have played 2-3-1 all season but i was looking at 3-1-2 this season using the left and right backs as wingers aswell. Any one got any thoughts? Cheers

Archived User Coach
winger COMMUNITY DRILLS
View All

Preparation (Accelerarion)

One two shoot

11 v 11 shape

Preparation (Accelerarion)

Cross with overlap

Defending function-

Autosave 6182280

Cross Targets

Deadly Finishing

3 man press - switch via GK

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 500+ football drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
STAY CONNECTED

in more ways than one

sportplan_football
LATEST COACHING TRENDS
High-Intensity Possession for Senior Teams: Keep the Ball, Wear Them Out

High-Intensity Possession for Senior Teams: Keep the Ball, Wear Them Out

Possession without purpose is pointless. These drills combine ball retention with physical conditioning to create teams that dominate and outlast opponents.

December 2025
|
Sportplan Coaching
Attacking Transitions: How to Exploit the 6-Second Window

Attacking Transitions: How to Exploit the 6-Second Window

Teams have just 6 seconds to exploit a turnover before defences reorganise. Learn how to train your players to attack with speed and purpose.

November 2025
|
Sportplan Coaching
Quick Feet and Quick Decisions: U10 Control and Dribbling Drills

Quick Feet and Quick Decisions: U10 Control and Dribbling Drills

The U10 age group is the golden window for developing ball mastery. Miss it, and you're playing catch-up forever. Here's how to get it right.

October 2025
|
Sportplan Coaching
VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS
Football POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
warm upsoccercorners3rd man runpre seasongoalkeeperpassingpossessionfirst touchshootingoverlapdribblingfitnesswarm upsdefendingcreating spacesession plansheadingbarcacrossing

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

Excellent site with easy to navigate pages.

Lawrence Hanrahan England

The 'My Stuff' feature is amazing! It's a coach's best friend!

Thomas McArdle United Kingdom

Love the site, it's a fantastic learning tool!

Ian Mckellar America

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 500+ football drills
  • create professional football coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested football plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Football POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
3rd man run barca conditioned games control corners creating space cricket crossing defending dribbling first touch fitness football games goalkeeping heading overlap passing possession pre season search session plans shooting shooting drills soccer team sheet through the gate turning drills warm up warm ups
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of football coaches plus 500+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT