Defend the dribble, defend the cross

The set up

The steps

1. One team works as the crossers and go into the two crossing alleys. One team starts in each half of the pitch and the remaining team starts in the central zone.
2. To start, the coach passes to the central team who attack the goal of their choice. The defenders in the bottom half of the pitch have a straight 2v2 battle.
3. The defenders in the top half have to contend with the addition of the two crossers who add more attacking options. When one crosser is about to cross the other crosser can come out of the alley and try to help the team score.

What to call out

• “Pressure the ball”
• “Force play away from goal”
• “Track your man on crosses”