intermediateshooting15-20 minutes8-16 players

Crossing and Finishing

Combination drill developing crossing technique and finishing from wide positions. Teaches wingers to deliver quality crosses and strikers to attack the ball in the penalty area.

U11-U12U13-U14U15+

Setup

Use a full-size goal with a goalkeeper. Position wide players on both flanks near the corner of the penalty area with balls. Strikers queue centrally, 20 metres from goal. On the coach's call, the wide player dribbles towards the byline and delivers a cross (driven low, lofted far post, or cut-back). Strikers make runs into the box (near post, far post, edge of box) to finish. Alternate between left and right wings.

Coaching Points

1Deliver crosses with pace and accuracy, not aimless balls
2Vary between near post, far post, and cut-back crosses
3Strikers must attack the ball, not wait for it to arrive
4Time your runs to arrive as the ball is delivered
5Head or strike the ball towards goal, not upwards
6Follow up every cross for rebounds and second chances

Variations

✓Add defenders to create realistic match scenarios
✓Require specific types of crosses (low driven, lofted)
✓Include overlapping full-backs who deliver crosses
✓Add a second striker for more movement in the box
✓Create competition between teams for most goals scored

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good cross in football?

A good cross has the right pace, trajectory, and accuracy to reach teammates in dangerous positions. It should be delivered early enough that defenders cannot adjust, with enough pace that the striker only needs a touch to score, and with accuracy into specific zones (near post, far post, penalty spot).

How do strikers attack crosses effectively?

Attack crosses by timing your run to arrive as the ball is delivered, getting ahead of your marker, and meeting the ball with conviction. Aim to strike or head the ball downwards towards goal rather than upwards. Movement and anticipation matter as much as technique.

Should I cross low or high?

Vary your crossing depending on the situation. Low driven crosses work when defenders are retreating. Lofted far-post crosses beat near-post defenders. Cut-backs create shooting opportunities. The best crossers can deliver all types depending on what the situation demands.

How do I improve my heading on crosses?

Practice timing your jump to meet the ball at its highest point, using your neck muscles to generate power rather than just your head. Keep your eyes open, attack the ball with your forehead, and aim to head downwards towards goal.

Related Drills

Finishing in the Box

Structured shooting drill focusing on finishing chances inside the penalty area from various angles and situations. Develops composure, technique, and decision-making under pressure.

Long Range Shooting

Technical shooting drill developing power, accuracy, and technique from outside the penalty area. Teaches players to strike the ball cleanly and create goal-scoring opportunities from distance.

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Related Keywords

crossingfinishingwide playpenalty areaheadingstriker movementwing playgoal scoringattacking patternsfootball trainingcrossing accuracyattacking drills

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