Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): B14/15 Pre-EA Cycle 2 Crossing & Finishing

Rondo15 mins

Session Set-up:

2 or 3 Rondo Groups

Coaching Points:

Scan, receive across the body, Play

Progression:

Screen 1

Objective:
To develop players’ ability to combine through midfield, use width effectively, and create scoring opportunities from wide areas.

Setup:

• Area: Half pitch

• Players: 3 outfield players + 1 goalkeeper

• Starting position: Player 1 in central midfield, Player 2 ahead centrally, Player 3 wide on the right.

• Alternate between the left side and the right side 

Sequence:

• Player 1 plays a forward pass into Player 2.

• Player 2 receives and passes wide to Player 3 on the right flank.

• Player 3 dribbles down the wing towards the byline.

• Player 3 crosses into Player 2, who has made a forward run into the box to finish.

• Goalkeeper attempts to save.

Coaching Points:

• Timing and weight of passes.

• Communication between players (verbal and non-verbal).

• Movement off the ball (especially Player 2’s run).

• Quality and accuracy of the final cross and finish.

Progressions:

• Encourage early crosses or cutbacks.

• Finish with a small-sided game using the same build-up pattern.

• Add two players to be making the run

Technical:

• Focus on accurate and progressive passing through central and wide areas.

• Players work on first touch, body orientation, and weight of pass to maintain tempo.

• Wingers practice controlled dribbling, crossing technique, and delivery accuracy.

• Attackers improve timing and finishing technique (volley, header, or placed shot).

Tactical:

• Emphasises building through the thirds — from defensive to midfield to attacking zones.

• Reinforces principles of width, depth, and support angles.

• Encourages recognition of when to play forward vs recycle possession.

• Promotes coordinated movement between midfielders and wide players to create overloads.

• Attackers learn to anticipate the cross and exploit space inside the box.

Physical:

• Develops aerobic endurance through repeated build-up and recovery runs.

• Sharp accelerations, decelerations, and changes of direction — particularly for wingers and strikers.

• Strengthens core stability and balance for controlling and striking the ball under pressure.

• Increases anaerobic capacity via short, intense attacking bursts.

Psychological:

• Builds confidence and creativity when playing out under pressure.

• Encourages decision-making — choosing the right pass, cross, or finish.

• Promotes focus and anticipation — reading the game and reacting quickly to transitions.

• Reinforces resilience and a positive response to missed chances.

• Enhances communication and trust between teammates in each phase.

Social:

• Strengthens team cohesion — players must coordinate movement across zones.

• Encourages verbal and non-verbal communication (calling for the ball, gestures).

• Promotes collective problem solving — how to break lines together.

• Builds mutual understanding between midfielders, wingers, and attackers.

• Creates a positive, supportive environment celebrating successful combinations.

Team Scrimmage25 mins

Session Set-up:

Coaching Points:

Progression: