This practice is designed to help players learn how to defend against crosses and start an attack.
It is a small sided game that can be played with as few as 4 players, making it very adaptable and ensuring that players are learning in a way that, more often than not, they enjoy.
The session starts with repetition for the defending player(s), allowing them to get used to reading the line of the ball. The challenge increases with pressure coming from the far side to attack the cross.
The setup can be adapted based on numbers to work on units of defenders, multiple players attacking the cross and emphasising counter attacking once the ball is cleared.
Set Up
The wide player dribbles forward & crosses into the box. The defender looks to intercept and clear the cross to their teammate, who then plays 1 v 1 to goal. If their opponent wins the ball, they play to the wide players who attack 2 v 1. Repeat with the cross coming from the opposite side.
Progression 1
The far-sided wide player attacks the cross
Progression 2
Both wide players make recovery runs
Key Coaching Points
Open body shape to see both sides of the pitch
Read the line of the cross
Aim to pass 1 touch, 2 touch max, forward player
Sprint up to the half way line
Be ready to support/react if ball comes back
Considerations
Technical detail of the defending players body shape & scanning of pressure
Suggested Ages
U10-U12