Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Functional Practice - Fullback to receive and cross

Picture 1

Start Position: Play from the goalkeeper into attacking player 1 (Fullback) who plays to player 5 (Right Winger). Player 1 after releasing the ball runs on the overlap with player 5 creating a diversion by running inside the opposing fullback to allow player 5 time and space to cross the ball. The timing of the run and weight of pass from player 1 to 5 is key to allow the on-running full back to cross the ball whilst on the run. The movement of the centre forwards to drag the centre forwards out of positition is key The fullback will aim to cross the ball towards the corner flag on the far side and hit the 'second six yard box' for the centre forwards to attack and score. The timing of their run and movement off the ball is essential for the centre forwards to create that extra yard of space.

The fullback can choose a variety of different passes (low driven, lofted) and distribution channels (vary height/distance/direction), such as travelling with the ball to the bye line for the cut back or deliver the ball to the front/back post, for the centre forwards to either head or volley the ball. The session objectives will be achieved by the quality of the delivery into these area's by the fullback.

Picture 3

Start Position: Play out from the goalkeeper into player 2 who then passes into the central midfielder (player 4). This player involves either players 3, 6 or 7 in some combination play in order to drag the central defenders towards the ball and out of position thereby creating space in behind for a midfielder to run into. Player 7 travels down the line of the ball and receives it from player 4 (defender 'A' follows the centre forward in order to press the play), player 7 then switches the play out wide to either players 1 or 5. If player 5 runs inside it will drag defender 'B' with thereby creating space for the attacking fullback to cross.

Supporting runs, movement on/off the ball and speed of play are all key components to create the space needed for either a shot or cross at goal from the attacking fullback. The attacking principles are as follows:

- Support

- Movement / Mobility

- Penetration

- Width/ Dispersal

- Improvisation / Invention (Particularly in the final third)

All these factors above have been incorporated in these three pictures to enable the fullback to achieve his/her outcomes.