Football/Soccer Session (Difficult): Cross to Finish

Warm Up (5 mins)

Organization

7 cones spread around half pitch

Half of the players on a cones, half with a ball in spaces around cones

Activity

Players dribble around looking for player on cone to pass to. As they make a pass, they follow pass to cone, and replace the player they passed to, as the receiver now becomes dribbler. As they reach the cone, player does dynamic movement.

Players on the cones need to be scanning the field and looking to receive with an open touch, playing the ball away from the direction of the passer.

Activity (20 mins)

Organization

Final Third of the pitch, flanks marked off with neutral players inside.

GK + 2 defenders vs. 2 attackers. 2 mini goals on the opposite side of the large goal. 

Activity

GK serves ball to attacking team. Defenders enter as the ball travels. Attackers look to score on the goalkeeper, utilizing the neutral players to create a 4v2 situation. If defending team wins the ball, they look to score on the two mini goals. Rotate neutrals every 3-4 mins.

Managing defenders: If ball goes out to neutral players, pressure must be put on the ball to block a cross.

Progression: Add a defender

Progression 2:  One defender can enter the neutral flanks and look to win the ball back.

Coaching Points

Quick play to progress the ball and stretch defenders.

Shape of the body when crossing.

Play from one side to the other to open gaps and create opportunities to score through the central channel.

Positive touches into space and forward.

Attack crosses in the air or on the ground.

Do not stand still - adjust your body to get contact on the ball.