Soccer Drills - Cross
Attacking on the wing - Goals after cross
Not only a quick passing game, but also fast wingers will make it much easier for your team to be dangerous on the outsides. After all, efficient attacking is based on making excellent use of the space on the field. Superior soccer players know how to take advantage of gaps in the defense. A high or a low cross increases your chance of getting the ball past defenders right in front of the foot of your best strikers. A brilliant cross is almost a guarantee for success. So what are you waiting for? Go and practice your crossing skills!
We, at planet.training, got you covered if you want to improve those skills. We have thousands of soccer drills for any skill! You can directly start coaching with these four exercises or try hundreds of Premium Exercises and public drills in our soccer database.
Cross Pass – Spacing by the Wing Player
Set Up:
Set up five stations between penalty box and halfway line. The players: 2, 6, 7, 9 and 10 are put in the position which you can see on the picture. To increase repetitions use other half of the field as well - the cross pass will be played from the left side this time.
Execution:
The 6 starts the exercise with a short dribbling, followed by a pass to #7 who is starting to move as well. At the same time that #7 receives the ball, #2 (Outside defender) start to cross on the wing behind #7. The 7 dribbles the ball for a short distance before he plays a deep pass to #9, who is moving towards the ball with 2 quick steps – A juke move should be made to get a good release from the defender. #9 plays a one touch pass to #2 who is approaching on the wing position. With this pass #10 starts moving towards the first post, #7 will run to the edge of the penalty box, while #9 will take the short way to the back part of the penalty area. #2 will cross the ball into the penalty area, to #10 at the first post. #6 will play the safety in the midfield area, in case the cross is being intercepted – The defensive vulnerability which is caused by the offensive playing outside defender #2, is kept to a minimum. Timing is crucial in this exercise!
Cross Competition – Score a Volley Goal
Set Up:
Two big goals will be set up opposite eachother on a 30m x 40m pitch. The halfway line and corners will be marked with cones. Divide the group into two team (5 Field players + 1 Goalkeeper in the example). 3 field players of each team, will line up inside the field in front of the opposite team’s goalkeeper. The other two players of each team, will line up on the sideline / wing position with a lot of soccer balls.
Execution:
The two wing players of each team will get the numbers one and two. The coach will signal which player plays the cross pass to the players in front of the goal. The three players should convert the cross pass into a goal shot with just one touch. They are allowed to use their head and feet. In the same manner they are allowed to pass the ball to their teammate with one touch, but for just one time. The goalkeeper needs to keep good positioning to either catch or save the ball.Cross pass competition: Which team scores more goals within 3 minutes?
Cross Pass Drill – Above the rope
Set Up:
Two or more poles need to be set up in the middle of the field with a total distance of 15 to 20 meters. Stretch a rope or string inbetween the poles. Players will be divided into groups of two and will position themselves opposite of eachother on each one side of the rope/string. Two players will get one ball.
Execution:
The players will alternately start playing high and wide cross passes to one another. The ball should be received, controlled and positioned within a maximum of two touches. At this, the player receiving the ball should move towards the oncoming pass. The passes should be played with the stronger, as well as with the weaker foot. The form of passing can be changed as well – for example: S1 plays a hard pass below the rope, whilst S2 is still playing a high and wide cross pass, but with his weaker foot. Goal keepers can be involved in this exercises, as they will vary between catching the ball with their hands and trying to improve their ball reception skills with the foot.
Shot on Goal - Cross & Volley II
Set Up:
4 Stations with each 1 Cone - approx. 30m in front of Goal. Player line up equally at all 4 Stations - Balls at Station 3.
Execution:
Player 3 starts exercise with a short pass into the path of player 4. Player 1&2 run cross patterns at the edge of the penalty box - Player 1 runs to the near post, Player 2 positions himself between Goal Box and Penalty Spot, at the height of the back post. Player 3 secures the back of the penalty box in case ball bounces back. Player 4 crosses the ball near the baseline to one of the two players.Rotation: 1-> 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> 1.
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Register nowWithout passing and dribbling there is no scoring
Scoring and winning is the ultimate goal of any football game. Whether a volley shot, bicycle kick, header or instep drive. Any technique can be improved by practicing it during your soccer training sessions. However, without an effective passing game or a perfect dribbling, there would not even be a chance to score. Therefore, coaches should always combine several skills in their session plans. Shots on the goal are perfect for engaging in small-field games or passing drills. To make sure that your next session plan is created even faster, there are a lot of other drill examples and variations on our other exercise pages.
