By Sean Reed -
Objective
These sessions are working on crossing and finishing. Which include looking at players playing a diagonal pass into a wide player, for them combine to set for a cross into an area for players to attack.
Session 1
Diagram 1
Set Up
- Using 16 players + 2 GKS
- Pitch is approx 54-60yds wide x 2 x penalty boxes long (width can be reduced depending on space available an the type of cross the coach wants to work on)
- Area in the middle 10yds x 5yds where the attacking players start
- Players crossing the ball are set up 2 players by the side of the goal and 2 players each side in the wide areas. See diagram 1
- 2 Balls will start at the same time down opposite side. Played from 1 into 2 who receives on the half turn who then plays into 3, who opens up to cross the ball (this occurs both sides at the same time), 2 Players rest then join in the next attack.
- 3 players will attack each goal (front, middle, back) – change up their runs, avoid straight lines
- Players crossing the ball will follow their pass. Player in the position 3 will join the players on the side of the goal
- Play then starts again once everyone is set
- Teams will work for a set period of time, then switch round
Progression
- Players in wide areas can combine
- Change sides so players cross with the opposite side
- Wide player can cut back to deliver an in-swinging cross
Coaching Points
- Tempo of passing, play safe side
- Movement before receiving the ball
- 1st touch sets for the cross, opening up
- Quality of cross
- Timing of runs, players attacking the cross (across the front post, middle and back post), arriving onto the ball
- Positive in front of goal
Session 2
Diagram 2
[wpsharely id="1204"][/wpsharely]
Set Up
- The set up remains the same as the previous session
- The serving players now start on the opposite goal post and playing a diagonal pass on the angle for the player to set back for the cross
- Players still follow pass 1 into 2. 2 sets for 3 and 3 crosses. 3 then joins the players next to the post
- The player setting can take 2 touches
Progression
- Player sets with one touch
- Change sides so players cross with the opposite foot
Coaching Points
- As within the previous session
- Quality and pace on the diagonal pass
- Quality and pace on the ball for the set
- Timing of run coming onto the cross
Session 3
Diagram 3
Set Up
- Set up as with the previous session (session 2)
- The ball is played from 1 into 2, who then controls to combine and play with 3 before crossing
Progression
- Play one touch from the diagonal pass
- Cut back to cross with an in-swinging cross
Coaching Points
- As above
- Check back and timing of runs if the wide player cuts back to cross with in-swinger
By Sean Reed
Former First Team Coach of Championship side Fulham FC. Sean is a UEFA A Coach with a Masters in Sport Coaching. He has over 15 years of experience working in professional football from Academy through to First team in the Premiership and Championship.
Linkedin - www.developmentofplayers.com
Twitter - @SeanJReed
