This football drill works on developing build up play to create time and space for quality crossing opportunities and support play to increase goal scoring chances from a cross. The football drill is adaptable for kids, youth and adult football training (U9 upwards).
Coaching notes for this drill:
1) Adapt the size of the area to suit your squads age / ability and match players abilities when working in small groups . Both will aid the technical outcome of the drill.
2) Phase 1 - technique of in-swinging cross: 1) Place non kicking foot behind and slightly to the side of the ball 2) Make contact, leaning back, with the knuckle of the big toe at the bottom and side of the ball 3) High leg follow through.
3) Phase 2 - technique of driven cross: 1) Place the non-kicking foot alongside the ball 2) Make contact with the middle of the ball with the laces 3) Knee over the ball 4) Point toe in direction of pass and follow through with full leg extension.
4) Phase 3 - technique of pull-back cross: 1) Place non-kicking foot alongside the ball 2) Make contact with instep 3) Rotate hips on contact.
5) Ensure players time their run to reach the attacking area when the cross is being played. This will make it more difficult for defenders to defend.
6) When adding defender at the end of Phase 3, have the defender start from central position level with the attackers and become active when the attackers start their run. Don’t put your best defender in this role as they could prevent you achieving the technical outcome (even if they are just passive!).
7) When there are multiple attackers running for the cross, players need to react quickly to the flight of the ball and if not in a position likely to receive, then they should pull defenders away from the attacker who is.
8) In the small sided game, the ball must be moved quickly to stretch defenders and create a ‘break-out’ opportunity for the crosser. Therefore, player in possession needs multiple options around them to create this quick ‘first-time’ combination play.
9) Rotate roles frequently throughout the drill.
10) Always ensure there is a supply of balls around training area to keep the session flowing.
11) Finish with a small sided match focussing on the key factors of your training session.
