By Mike Smith
When attacking from crosses, I always want a near post and a far post run. However, IF the crossing player can get to the end line and engage the keeper themselves, the near post runner needs to drop off and open space. I am not a big fan of low percentage near post shots, BUT, in this situation, if the near post runner drops out there may be a near post shot and there will almost ALWAYS be an opening at the pk spot or back post. The idea is that if the near post runner drops out and takes his defender with him, the space is open and if the defender stays, the near post runner is open in the box, it is a win / win scenario.
Lesson 1
Active Passing Pattern
Set Up
To start, set up two diamonds, as shown, one slightly smaller than the other. 4 players start on the larger diamond and pass and move continuously between the two. Facing the shapes from the starting position, as shown by the ball, the pattern is: left, top, right – straight pass to small diamond – then bottom, top, right, straight pass to starting spot. It might seem confusing, but the players rotate back and forth between the same cones and will quickly make it very fluid.
Coaching Points
Good over hit passes, good touch and constant movement are the coaching points here. The activity level in this drill builds into the next progression as a high level of attacking activity is a dangerous weapon.
Lesson 2
Attacking the Near Post
Set Up
Set up a wide cone in line with the base of a cone triangle about 25 yards from the penalty box as shown. The player at the top of the triangle sends a ball to the wide player to start play. This player dribbles quickly towards the end line. The remaining players make near post, far post and central runs.
Once on the end line, the initial near post attacker MUST drop out once the end line dribbler engages the keeper. The dribbler now has several options for distributions. The players should run this at speed, using all the progressions on an open net, assuming the keeper will be on the near post.
Coaching Points
The ball should not stop here and without a keeper at close range, the finishing percentage should be high.
Lesson 3
Add a Keeper and Back Post Defender
Set Up
Keeping the same set up and starting pattern, add a keeper and back post defender. The keeper should stay on the near post and the defender should cover the back post until making a well timed challenge or clearance. While this is an attacking drill, too many defenders do not drop in far enough and leave easy back post goals. Ideally the distribution is such that the back post defender and keeper have little impact on the scoring. Coaching points remain the same and the coach can add defenders as they see fit. I have seen 4 attacking players with good aggressive movements off the ball combined with accurate touches score at will on up to 6 defenders inside the box.
By Mike Smith
Currently the Head Coach for University Heights Academy Boys Soccer in Hopkinsville, KY , Mike is in his 14th year as a high school head coach with 23 years coaching experience overall and 34 year as a student and fan of the game. He holds a USSF D License.
