Coaching Drills Simple Crossing and Finishing exercise This exercise can be used for any age group, and can improve passing, crossing of the ball, runs into the area, and finsihing from the cross. Equipment required - A number of footballs, of appropriate size to suit age group, marker cones to denote start points, 1 goal of appropriate size to suit age group. The exercise would be best performed on a marked pitch to allow players to move the exercise from the training ground into a match situtation. Set Up:- A player is positioned in the "striker" role, with back to goal, the server or central midfield player is placed about 10 yards within the attacking half, and a wide player is positioned in line with the midfield players to the right or left depending on coaching preference. A marker cone can be placed at each of these points to allow further players to take up the same positions as an indication. The Exercise:- The server or central midfield player passes the ball to the feet of the striker. As the ball is travelling towards the striker the wide player should move forward to pick up pace. The striker accepts the pass and plays a pass in front of the wide players advance. The wide player should take a firm first touch towards the bye line allowing them to run with the ball. The striker should move away from the ball to postion themselves for a run into the box. The server or central midfield player should be moving forward following their initial pass and should then move away from the wide player to take up a position to attack the cross. The wide player should deliver the cross between the six yard box and the penalty spot firmly. This cross can be played low or lofted depending on coaching requirements. The striker and central midfield player should attack the cross. The stiker or central midfield player should apply a finish to the cross. Coaching points:- Central Midfield Player - Initial pass should be firm and aimed to arrive at the feet of the strike. Extension - the pass to be played to the side of the striker the central midfield player selects the wide player to be used. Extension - the initial pass is lofted, to arrive at the strikers feet. Striker - Ready to recieve the pass, mobile and alert, first touch towards the wide player. The pass should be played firmly in front of the advancing wide player, but to ensure the weight of pass allows the player to reach the pass, and not be fired out of play. Extension, the first touch and pass are one movement to the wide player to speed up the attack. Wide Player - Aware of when the initial pass is made, and commences forward motion. First touch should be firm towards the bye line, to allow the play to sprint increasing the pace of the attack. The wide player should take the opportunity of when the ball is out of their feet to rasie their head and see their attacking players approach to the penalty area. Extension, use wide players from either side of the pitch, allowing the strikers pass to select which side the cross is to come in from. The cross - Technique of the cross should deliver the ball to the area between the six yard box and the penalty spot, sometimes called the second six yard box. The wide player should ensure concentration on the technique of crossing the ball, the position of the standing foot, to stike around the ball to ensure the ball cuts back across the goal and does not go behind. Extension - Instruct the wide player to deliver the cross low or high. Extension - Instruct the wide player to deliver the cross to the front or back post Striker - Once the pace to the wide player has been made, should move away from the pass, not going directly to goal. The stiker show be aware of the position of the wide player and the ball, as they move away, judging the right time to attack the area where the cross is to be delivered. Extension - Define a near post or far post run Central Midfield Player - The midfield player needs to make up ground to be able to attack the cross when made. The run should be angled, and not go in a straight line for goal. The player should be aware of the wide players progress and the position of the ball whilst making their run. Extension - define a near post or far post run. Striker & Central Midfield player - Concentrate on the flight of the ball, selecting the correct technique to attack the ball, re direct the ball, side foot pass into the goal, firm strike, volley, or header. Review player's body shape at point of contact with the ball, ensuring the head is over the ball to keep the ball low. Both players should commuicate, but the player coming in second, or furtherest from the ball has the best view of who is best to attack the ball. Extension - Front post finishing Extension - Far post finishing Extension - Selection of area of the goal to aim for. Extension - second player following in for rebounds or saves The Goal Keeper can also get a lot of benefit from this exercise, including, positioning for cross and finish, catching from pure crosses, adjustment of position, shot stopping. If you have any quiries on this exercise, please contact us for further information Click here