One Touch Crossing Drill

Originally Published in: Attacking Soccer

Provided by: Human Kinetics

Purpose

Giving players repetition in crossing the ball with a variety of crossing techniques and approaches to the ball.

Organization

Set up an area on half of a standard field. The activity is conducted to one full goal with a goalkeeper and two forwards attacking the goal. In the wing space, pairs of players act as server (S) and crosser (C).

Procedure

1. Play starts on a wing space by a player playing the ball forward for his partner to cross the ball to the two forwards for an attempt to score. After an attempt on goal, the forwards reset to their starting positions and play starts from the opposite wing space.

2. Crosses can vary. For example, in diagram A, the ball is played straight ahead of the crosser, who has one touch. With no time to adjust his run, the cross will need to be clipped or driven into the box. In diagram B, the ball is angled infield. Though the crosser has one touch, he can shape his run to come around the ball and create loft and curve.

Key Points

• The primary objective of the activity is to give the players a lot of opportunities to cross the ball.

• Frequency is ensured and the players develop awareness of the type of service dictated by their approach to the ball.

• Fundamentals such as where on the ball to make contact, how to impart spin, and how to drive the ball can be repeated and immediate feedback given.

Variations

• Increase the pace of the service to the crosser.

• Give the crosser a second touch.

• Identify specific areas for the crosser to serve the ball to.

• Identify specific types of delivery for the crosser to serve.