Crossing and finishing – Practice

WHY USE IT

This practice supports the development of goalscoring opportunities from wide areas, with focus on effective crossing and finishing, decision-making, timing of runs, verbal and non-verbal communication, speed of run and cross.

 

SET UP

Set up as shown, using just over half a pitch, with a full size goal. and a goalkeeper Put two mannequins in the penalty area and two cones down each wing (one for the full-back and one for the winger on each side to start on). Central attacking players (strikers and attacking midfielders) start just over the halfway line.

 

HOW TO PLAY

One striker passes to a full- back, the full-back passes forward to the winger. The winger then drives inside and passes the ball for the overlapping full-back, who then crosses for the two strikers to attack.

The practice then repeats from other side. To progress the practice, add a defending centre-backs to pick up the strikers’ runs inside the area (take out the mannequins).

 

COACHING POINTS

Weight and accuracy of pass. Movement to receive. Receiving on back foot. Timed runs to overlap and cross with varied techniques. Finishing quality.

1. A striker passes to the full-back and both strikers then begin forward runs

2. The full-back passes to the winger, who drives inside. The full-back overlaps to receive a pass

3. The full-back crosses the ball for the two strikers to attack