Contact Help center
Football Football
HOME Football SEARCH

Football: wide players

wide players DRILLS
View All

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

Attacking the Crossed Ball

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.

Crossing and Finishing

Crossing from Channel Players

1) Only wide players allowed in channel. 2) A goal must come from a cross or direct result of a crossed ball. 3) Compete 5 v 5 in middle and limit to 2 touches. Wide players have unlimited touches. 4) Condition game and coach what you see.

Conditioned games

Diamond Midfield Channelling

Red team vs Blue team. Set up a diamond midfield formation 2 strikers, 4 midfield, 4 defenders. Set up cones as shown on the diagram (3 sets of cones. 2 pairs before the top of the diamond numbered "1", one pair of cones lower down in the middle of the diamond numbered "2") Works on the Defence channelling the ball into certain areas. The 2 red team strikers try to stop the blue team from playing the ball through either of the "1" cones, so that play is encouraged into a central area (top of the diamond). Once the blue player with the ball has reached the top of the diamond, players will looks to direct him outside of the "2" cones and into wide areas (occupied by the 2 red wide midfielders). Red fullbacks need to recognise where the ball is going and move into an advanced wide position to put pressure on opposition's wide players. By doing this the red team are attempting to dictate how the ball moves. Play for half an hour.

Defending

Four Goal Game with spare player

Two teams of seven players play on half a pitch with no keepers. Each team must have a wide player on each wing. A spare player should be put into a separate colour (see yellow player taking the center in the image). They are always playing for the team in possession of the ball to give them the extra man.

Conditioned games

Pick your spot

Depending on where the pass is played to players must shoot in a particular area of the goal. If the pass is played wide the shot should be driven into the opposite corner of the goal (so a feed to right should be scored in the left corner of the goal). If the pass is central the shooter should not hit the ball with their laces but instead place the ball in a corner of their choice.

Shooting

Switching the play

Players work in groups of 4 (see progression). Player 1 starts with the ball then passes out wide. Player 2 receives the ball dribbles forward then checks back and plays the ball to player 1 who switches the ball to player 3. Keep repeating this sequence.

Passing and Receiving

Use the width to get up the pitch

Red 1 passes the ball to one of the teams to start the game. There should be 3 players in both wings and 8 players in the centre of the pitch. The wing players cannot be tackled and the central players are not allowed into the wing areas. In order to score a goal the team in possession must make 5 consecutive passes before passing out to their wide man. The wide players must both touch the ball before it is crossed in for the team in possession to attack it, with the other team defending the cross. After an attack on goal has been made the ball returns to red 1 who feeds the ball out to the other team.

Conditioned games

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

Wide Slalom Run Agility - Foot...

Poles set far apart in a zig zag formation. Player runs from one to the next focussing on change of direction and pace.

General

Crossing from Channel Players ...

1) Only wide players allowed in channel. 2) A goal must come from a cross or direct result of a crossed ball. 3) Compete 5 v 5 in middle and limit to 2 touches. Wide players have unlimited touches. 4) Condition game and coach what you see.

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

Football: Four Goal Game with ...

Two teams of seven players play on half a pitch with no keepers.Each team must have a wide player on each wing.A spare player should be put into a separate colour (see yellow player taking the center in the image).They are always playing for the team in possession of the ball to give them the extra man.

General

Use the width to get up the pi...

Red 1 passes the ball to one of the teams to start the game. There should be 3 players in both wings and 8 players in the centre of the pitch. The wing players cannot be tackled and the central players are not allowed into the wing areas. In order to score a goal the team in possession must make 5 consecutive passes before passing out to their wide man. The wide players must both touch the ball before it is crossed in for the team in possession to attack it, with the other team defending the cross. After an attack on goal has been made the ball returns to red 1 who feeds the ball out to the other team.

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

9 v 9 Wide Play Possession - F...

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

Football: Double cross - Twice...

Player 1 starts the drill of by passing the ball to the wide player. The wide player then crosses the ball into the box on their first touch for both the attacking players to run onto and attack (near and far post runs). Immediately after the two strikers have headed for goal the opposite wide player then delivers in another cross into the box. After the second cross players swap roles (crossers join the queue and the attackers become the two next crossers).

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

Attacking the Crossed Ball Cro...

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.

General

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

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

Combo Pass, Cross and Shoot Cr...

The drill starts with player 3 moving to the red cone and then coming back to receive pass from player 1. Once player 3 has received the ball player 2 runs forward in support and receives the ball from player 3. Player 2 controls and then plays a long switch ball to the wide player 4 who is on the move down the line. The wing player then runs down the line and swings in a cross for the 3 other players to run onto and attack!

General

First touch set up - Outside o...

Working with one ball between 2 players pass the ball to each other. When they receive the ball the player should try and control the ball with the outside of their foot, using their first touch to push the ball slightly in front and wide into space, for the player to follow and then play to their partner. After each pass players should run back to the same spot to receive the ball.

General

Pick your spot Shooting - Foot...

Depending on where the pass is played to players must shoot in a particular area of the goal. If the pass is played wide the shot should be driven into the opposite corner of the goal (so a feed to right should be scored in the left corner of the goal). If the pass is central the shooter should not hit the ball with their laces but instead place the ball in a corner of their choice.

General

Pass, support and shoot Shooti...

1) Player 8 plays to player 1 who returns the ballslightly wide. Running onto the wide pass player 8 passes the ball down the side to meet the diagonal run of player 4. 2) Player 4 shoots and player 1 makes a supporting diagonal run to the far post for rebounds.

General

Football: Tony Chestnut's Big ...

Play 6 v 6. Station goals angled into the area in the corners of the grid. 1 ball per practice. The object of the game is to try to pass the ball between your team and score in any of the four goals. Players should be encouraged to spread out and find space throughout the practice.

General

Width and Forward Runs Conditi...

Place 5 cones across the middle of the area, 10 yards in from each sideline. Play 4 vs 4. The ball is not allowed to travel through or over the discs. The object of the game is to get the ball wide in the near side of the field and attack the flanks of the attacking area. Although the ball is not allowed to travel over the discs, players may make runs over the discs.

General

Switching the play Passing and...

Players work in groups of 4 (see progression).Player 1 starts with the ball then passes out wide. Player 2 receives the ball dribbles forward then checks back and plays the ball to player 1 who switches the ball to player 3. Keep repeating this sequence.

General

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
wide players SESSIONS
View All

Spreading out to maintain & exploit space

Take advantage of the space. Get your players into the mindset of spreading the play to utilise the space to attack by creating links between the wide men and center forwards.
wide players ANSWERS
View All

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

I run a team of under 9's and although they are not?

I run a team of under 9's and although they are not letting many goals in they struggle to score goals could anyone improve this for me.

Nick Coach, England

How does one create width during a match?

How does one create width during a match?

Archived User Coach

Some 11 year olds are joining our team and are moving?

Some 11 year olds are joining our team and are moving from 7-a-side to 11-a-side. What should I practice with them to help this transition?

Archived User Coach

Free-kicks from wide areas

Hi, I need some help with ideas on delivering free-kicks from full-back positions into the goal area. Do you have any tips on the movement of the forward players? Thanks James

Archived User Coach

Warm up routine before football match

Hi has anyone got a good warm up routine for a under 18 team before a match?

DAN BRYAN Coach, England

What is the best pre-game warm up routine for U9 boys?

What is the best warm up routine for U9 boys before a game? Thanks Coach Heath

Archived User Coach

Annual training plan for U15 players?

HI all, how can I prepare an annual training plan for football under 15 aged athletes? If you have a sample plan please attach it to your answer. Thanks!

Archived User Coach

Players that will not pass

I have 3 players at under 14 level, that seem to think running with the ball and not passing is the best way forward, could anybody suggest how I might get round this.

Archived User Coach

How to teach players the correct positioning in 7 a side?

How do I teach players about positioning in a 7 a side game

Scott Coach, England

Attacking and recovering with midfielders

When my team attacks the near the opposing teams 18 box, we always seem to give the ball away to the other team and my midfield is never covered adequately. What is the best way to balance trying to attack but still maintaining shape from a defensive standpoint?

Hunter Williams Coach, United States of America

BUILD-UP PLAY

How does this session encourage build-up play?

Nder Isaac Ibrahim Coach, Nigeria

 Improve our ability to prevent the opponent from playing forward in the wide areas of the attacking half (do not modify)

 Improve our ability to prevent the opponent from playing forward in the wide areas of the attacking half (do not modify)

james alaskare Coach, United Kingdom

how can I progress this sessio...

Cedric Pisani Coach, Malta

Managing Substitutions u9s - 7...

Hi I have quite a large squad (11) for my U9s team. Sometimes not all of them turn up but when they do managing the substitutions can be a nightmare. Have tried planning it out and making 3 subs on a rotation every 6 or 7 minutes. This works OK, just wondered how others do it? Thanks! Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Andrew Ellis Coach, England

Where to play our tallest stro...

We have a tall strong player in our under 12 team, he is well built but we are not sure what his best position is ie out and striker or centre back he tends to go on long runs and can withstand strong tackles but he does try to do too much and can tire, he doesn't always pass when he should and often will shoot wide where placing his shoot would be better any suggestions ?

Archived User Coach

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

Disciplining for misbehaviour ...

Disciplining for misbehaviour? 8-11 year olds, they dont really get bored because i know that sometimes that can be the cause. How or what can i apply a bit of strictness into the team.

Archived User Coach

Drills for Large Session. U 7/...

I have been planning a sessions for 70-80 kids using 4 grids. Each grid has 1-2 coaches with 2-3 drills, then we rotate grids after 8-10 minutes. We have had success so far but are moving indoors and would love more ideas for drills. Each grid has 15-17 kids. They are U 7/8 co-ed and the session is one hour.

Aimee Dunn Coach, Canada

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 500+ soccer drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
LATEST FROM THE BLOG
Banish Your Coaching Nightmares with Sportplan

Banish Your Coaching Nightmares with Sportplan

Save yourself a scare this Halloween and ensure your session runs smoothly. No chaos, no fright, just structure.

October 30th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour: What To Expect

The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour: What To Expect

As the Lions tour approaches with their first tour game this Friday against Argentina, we look ahead at what the fans can expect to see from both sides as the tour in Australia approaches...

June 18th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
Transform Your Coaching: Discover the Power of FootballBot!

Transform Your Coaching: Discover the Power of FootballBot!

Introducing the Sportplan FootballBot. Your new coaching partner that has all the answers to the questions you may have...

June 12th, 2025
|
Cam Hughes
VISIT THE BLOG TO READ MORE
Football POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
warm upsoccerpassingshootingsession planscornersdefending3rd man runpre seasondribblingpossessionheadingbarcagoalkeepercrossingoverlapfitnesscreating spacewarm upsfirst touch

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+ soccer drills
  • create professional soccer coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested soccer 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 soccer coaches plus 500+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT