By Alex Trukan
As an alternative to traditional sequence of wing play based on a cross into the penalty box from wide positions, trying to penetrate further into the penalty area before passing it across can be an effective strategy to create goal scoring opportunities. Its usage has been on the rise recently due to several advantages it may give. First of all, it is easier to eliminate the goalkeeper and defenders which then leaves an open space in goal to score into. Secondly, it is more accurate than a direct cross and can be played with a higher precision. Finally, it is easier to score from for the strikers.
In order to create an advantageous situation in which a pass across the goal can be used, it is essential to create spaces on the wing, which can be then exploited by attacking players running into it. That is easier when the opposition is disorganised (as it can be seen below) than when it’s defending deep and compact. However, in both scenarios, one of the components that may help in achieving it, is a starting position of the strikers away from the ball in the central areas. That will not only create spaces in wide areas but also help the strikers to make effective runs once the ball is in the penalty box.
Once the ball entered the penalty box, it is important to create an angle to play it across the goal. That will sometimes mean just moving it off line into space by the touchline. However, it can also be the case of beating a defender or putting him off-balance. Second aspect of creating successful goal scoring chances in these situations are forward runs of the strikers/midfielders. In the ideal situation, options should be provided in line with the ball as well as in behind it. Timing of the run is crucial. The striker should try to arrive at the same time as the ball arrives.
As a rule of thumb, the closer the ball gets to the goalkeeper, the easier will be to eliminate him by making a pass. In this case, the pass will have to be angled slightly backwards. The danger arises however, when the ball is too close to the goalkeeper, what allows him to block that pass or catch the ball.
Making a pass early, in turn, will create more chances to exploit the space between the goalkeeper and an opposition back line. That will also make it easier for strikers to adjust their runs and finish.
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An important option to consider is a cut back pass across the penalty box. That is based on playing the ball not in between the goalkeeper and defenders but in behind the back line, against its movement. That makes it very difficult for the defenders to adjust their movement and be on time to block the shots. Body position of the runners should allow them to finish first touch based on where the space in goal is left.
In the situations, when the ball is close to the goalkeeper, a direct shot on goal might be a better option than a pass across the penalty box. That is often the case due to the position of the goalkeeper leaving the space at a near post as the goalkeeper anticipates the pass based on the body position of the passer. Additional disguise may be added to unbalance the goalkeeper.
By Alex Trukan, Development Coach, Nottingham Forest
@AlexTrukan
