Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defending Crosses from Wide Areas

Set up

Field set up for the session.

(1) PART: use red outline. 36yd x 44yd (including wide channels)

    Balls in the two goals

(2) WHOLE: losing team will move the goal to have, pick up red outline

Part (20 mins)

To score a goal, a cross must come from the wide channels. The players in the wide channels are locked in their zone and always play with the attacking team. One defending player can enter the wide channel to defend the crosser. Three minute games, then rotate the wide players.

Progression: score from anywhere on the field, but if a goal comes from a cross, it counts as 3 points.

Coaching Points

1. Nearest player to the ball applies pressure to the crosser. Body shape is between the ball and the goal, forcing a backwards pass.

2. Goalkeeper commands the 6-yard box. Anything in the goalkeepers immediate vicinity is their responsibility to deal with.

3. Remaining defenders create a 2-1 formation on top of the 6-yard box to clear any crosses that get through. One centerback near post, one middle-back post. Half-facing body shape to clear the cross up the field.