Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Crossing and Finishing

Short and Long Passing Combination Play

Session Objective: To develop one touch passing game.

Organisation: In an area 30 x 30 yards, we use 7+ players and 6 cones. Players play 1 and 2 touch. Players move to the next cone after their pass.

Key Factors: 1. Players need to make sure their first touch is made on the move to maintain the fluency of the drill.

2. Reduce the time between the first touch and the pass, and then progree to 1 touch when possible.

3. Passes need to be weighted well and aimed just in front of their teammates to step forward up to.

4. The exercise should be done at high tempo.

Crossing (20 mins)

Setup:

Half field, Full Size Goal

Practice can be done with 12-18 players

Lots of balls

Instructions:

- Ball is played to wide player checking back to the ball

- Wide partner checks underneath to play a double pass-through ball

- Wide player runs to the corner to play the cross

- Two attacking midfielders make their runs into the box to get on the end of the cross; Passer makes the far post run, opposite attacking midfielder makes the near post run

- Alternate sides

Coaching Points:

- Quality of passing

- Good first touch and set up play

- Movement off the ball timing of runs; Visual Cues: Head up/down from the crosser, speed of play from the outside players on their passing combination

- Front post runner must get across the front of the defender/goalie - Gamble

- Far post runner must bend their run deep and not be on the same line as front post runner; must be able to run onto ball

- Quality of cross and end product

Progressions:

- Add defenders