This crossing and finishing activity is great for focusing on crossing and finishing under pressure. It is also a great activity to improve the players fitness level. Set up 4 cones at half field, one about 5 yds from the touch line,another about 15 yds from the first, another at the starting point, and the fourth one about 5 yds outside the circle. Split the team out evenly behind each cone. Coach plays a ball into space where the center attacker runs on to (simulating a through ball at half field). The defender from the fourth cone pursues as soon as the ball is played to apply pressure or win the ball. The outside attacker makes a run to the corner while the defender on the second cone pursues to defend. The center attacker plays the ball to the corner for the outside attacker then makes a curling run to the back post to get in the box for a service while the defender continues to track the attacker. The outside attacker controls the ball and then crosses the ball in to the attacker in the box. The attacker attempte to finish the ball on goal. Progression: Perform the same activity down the other side. Add another attacker so there is an attacker on both sides (3 v 2). Add another defender (3 v 3). Note: if the defenders are beating the attackers most of the time reset by having the defenders delay thier run to defend. After a few successes go back to the original set up.
firm ball to get the ball deep towards the end line. quick prep touch and cross from outside attackers. good timing on the runs and anticipate the cross. defenders sprint to close down the crosser quickly while getting the inside position. track runners on defense and get inside position. clear balls up and outside when defenders win the ball.
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
sportplan_football
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