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Technical

Crossing Technique

Deliver dangerous crosses from wide areas to create goal-scoring chances.

A good cross puts defenders in trouble and gives attackers a chance to score. This guide covers different types of crosses (low driven, whipped, floated, cut-back), when to use each, and the technical execution. You'll learn how to generate whip and curve, how to pick out teammates in the box, and how to deliver under pressure from defenders.

Key Points

1Get your head up before crossing to see where your teammates are
2Low driven crosses are harder for defenders and keepers to deal with
3Whip the ball by striking across it with your instep
4Aim for the space between goalkeeper and defenders
5Cut-backs to the edge of the box are underrated
6Cross early when possible - defenders are still recovering

Training Drills

✓Crossing from both wings to targets in the box
✓Cut-back drill - drive to byline and pull back to edge of box
✓Crossing under pressure with a defender closing you down
✓Crossing on the run after beating a defender
✓Low driven crosses vs floated crosses - when to use each
✓Crossing with weak foot to develop two-footed delivery

Learn From the Pros

Kevin De Bruyne - incredible whip and accuracyTrent Alexander-Arnold - variety of deliveries, brilliant visionDavid Beckham - iconic crossing technique and bendLauren Hemp - crosses with pace and precisionAlphonso Davies - crosses at speed after beating defenders

Ask FootballGPT

“How do I put whip on my crosses?”

“When should I cross and when should I cut back?”

“Why do my crosses keep getting blocked?”

“How can I improve my crossing accuracy?”

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I generate whip and curve on crosses?

Strike across the ball with the inside of your instep, not through the centre. Imagine drawing a line across the ball from bottom left to top right. Your foot follows that line, creating spin. Your plant foot should point where you want the ball to end up.

Should I always cross into the box?

No. If the box is crowded and your striker is marked, a cut-back to the edge of the box often creates better chances. Observe before you cross - where are your teammates, where are the defenders, where's the keeper.

How do I cross when a defender is tight on me?

Either take a touch away from the defender to create space, or deliver an early cross before they close you down. Sometimes a dummy cross freezes the defender, giving you a second more time. Practice crossing under pressure in training.

What height should my crosses be?

Depends on your target. If your striker is good in the air and taller than defenders, float it. If your striker is quick and likes to attack the near post, keep it low and fast. Generally, low driven crosses cause more chaos - defenders and keepers both struggle with them.

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