Crossing Drills Archives - Onside - Training

The Shooting Competition Drill

Onside - Training — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 09:32:32 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

25 min.

FOCUS:

Shooting

AGE:

U12+

INTENSITY:

6/10

SETUP

Place three cones approximately 5 meters outside the box, with a 10-meter gap between each cone.
Assign a minimum of two players to each cone: one player ready to shoot and one ready to lay the ball off for them. – Give each cone a small supply of balls.
Position a goalkeeper in the goal.
Position a crossing player (or the coach) out wide with a supply of balls.
Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

The Shooting Competition Drill gives players a great chance to take multiple shots on goal in a dynamic and competitive setting. The competition drives players to actively seek the ball on the cross, striving to score and collect points to outperform their teammates. Adding the cross also sharpens the timing of runs into the box and teaches players to move intelligently to get on the end of a delivery.

This drill particularly focuses on:

Shooting from Distance: Players repeatedly strike at goal from outside the box, building technique and confidence in a game-realistic position.
Combination Play: The one-two before each shot trains a sharp lay-off, a good first touch and shooting on the move.
Timing Runs into the Box: Players learn when to attack the cross and which space to attack to get a clean contact.
Competitive Mentality: The points system pushes players to fight for every ball and finish under pressure.

HOW IT WORKS

Players compete in a 3-player battle, so 6 or 9 outfield players plus 1 crossing player (who can also be the coach) works best. If your numbers don’t match, run it as everyone against everyone. Set the target between 10 and 20 points depending on the level of the players and the points system you choose.

The three players at the cones compete to score the most goals. Each of them plays a one-two with their teammate at the cone and takes a shot on goal from outside the box, earning 1 point for every goal.
Once all three have taken their shot, they move into the box and anticipate the cross from the wide player.
Whoever scores from the cross earns an additional point. The ball is only out of play once it crosses the line or is cleared out of the box.
After the cross, the players swap with their teammates at the cones, who then repeat the same sequence.
Once both players from each cone have shot, rotate the groups so every player gets to shoot from every position.

Coaching Flexibility: To add more excitement to the cross, let a goal from the delivery count as 2 points. Deliver crosses from both sides so players practise attacking the ball from different angles.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Encourage players to shoot early and with intent rather than taking an extra touch outside the box.
Watch the quality of the lay-off, as a poor return pass ruins the shot before it starts.
Encourage players to attack the cross rather than waiting for it, staying on their toes and ready to react.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post The Shooting Competition Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

Full-Back Overlap Crossing Drill

Onside - Training — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 09:32:36 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

25 min.

FOCUS:

Possession

AGE:

U13+

INTENSITY:

5/10

SETUP

Create an “X” shape on one side of the pitch, with each wide cone placed around 10 meters away from the middle cone.
Assign players to each cone based on their positions, and involve two or more full-backs in the setup.
Adjust the distance between players based on their age and skill level.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

The Full-Back Overlap Crossing Drill is an effective way for players to practice the possession build-up phase, utilizing the full-back’s overlapping runs to deliver crosses. The emphasis is on the full-back making dynamic runs up the field. It’s recommended to involve two or more full-backs to allow for recovery time after each run. For added realism, other positions can be filled by players who typically play those roles, creating a more authentic in-game scenario.

HOW IT WORKS

Each variation is a build-up combination that ends with the full-back’s overlapping run and a cross into the box. Use two or more full-backs so they can recover between runs.

1. Variation

In this combination, the defender/midfielder initiates the play with a pass to the full-back. The full-back then transfers the ball to the central midfielder, who subsequently feeds it to the winger. The winger takes one or two touches toward the center of the field to create space for the overlapping full-back. The full-back then receives the ball and delivers a cross, while the winger continues their run into the box, aiming to connect with the incoming cross.

2. Variation

In this combination, the defender/midfielder initiates the play with a pass to the central midfielder. The central midfielder takes a directional first touch and then delivers a pass to the full-back. The full-back then takes a few touches upfield and engages in a one-two passing exchange with the winger. (The winger moves slightly toward the center of the field to generate space for the full-back.) Following this, the full-back executes a cross into the striker.

3. Variation

In this combination, the defender/midfielder initiates the play with a pass to the central midfielder. The central midfielder takes a directional first touch and subsequently feeds the striker. The striker then lays the ball off to the defender or midfielder, who executes a long pass towards the overlapping full-back. Meanwhile, the winger positions themselves inside the box, running between the cones positioned at the edge of the box. The full-back delivers a cross aimed at both the winger and striker.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Remember to use both sides of the pitch to train both feet and full-backs.
Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball and make plays.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post Full-Back Overlap Crossing Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

Triangle Play To Crossing Drill

Onside - Training — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 21:59:57 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

25 min.

FOCUS:

Passing

AGE:

U13+

INTENSITY:

5/10

SETUP

Arrange three cones in a triangle formation near the half-way mark of the pitch, assigning one player to each cone.
On each wing, position a cone and a player.
Outside the box, place one cone and assign two strikers to that area.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

The Triangle Play to Crossing Drill is a valuable tool for practicing possession and the build-up phase of the game. It enhances players’ understanding of transitioning from the midfield to the wings for effective crosses. Additionally, players develop fundamental skills such as passing, long passing, crossing, and shooting/heading.

HOW IT WORKS

The midfielders pass within the triangle. When the wingers and attackers are in position, one of the midfielders delivers a pass out to the wing.

The winger then sends in a cross towards the attackers, who make their move for goal.

The midfield quickly restarts the drill within the triangle right after the first pass goes out to the winger.

Extra variations to consider:

– The opposite winger can make a move into the box during crosses, aiming for a scoring opportunity.

– Add a defender to the mix, challenging the crossing and attacking players.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Practice various types of crosses to improve your skill in executing different techniques.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post Triangle Play To Crossing Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

The Swansea Drill

Onside - Training — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 08:10:13 +0000

PLAYERS:

+10

TIME:

25 min.

FOCUS:

Possession

AGE:

U13+

INTENSITY:

7/10

SETUP

Utilize half of a football field, as illustrated in the setup image.
Assemble a team of at least 9 players, including 1 goalkeeper, and position them at the designated starting points.
Feel free to adjust the length of cones or distances based on your preferences.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

Drawing inspiration from the Swansea team, this drill is designed to enhance possession skills and make effective attacking play. It places a spotlight on various attacking phases, including executing through balls, crossing, and finishing. By simulating real-game scenarios, the drill equips your team with diverse strategies for goal-scoring opportunities during matches.

HOW IT WORKS

The drill kicks off with player 2 sending a long pass to player 3. Player 3 then passes to player 4, who maneuvers through the obstacle and delivers a long ball to player 5. Player 5 executes a cross, and both player 3 and player 4 sprint into the box, aiming for a goal. Subsequently, player 6 navigates through the obstacle on the opposite side and produces a cross. After each cycle, every participating player shifts positions.

Consider incorporating a defender in the box to deal with clearing the crosses if necessary.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Practice various types of crosses to improve your skill in executing different techniques.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post The Swansea Drill appeared first on Onside - Training.

Crossing and Shooting Drill 3

Onside - Training — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 18:37:40 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

25 min.

FOCUS:

Crossing

AGE:

U13+

INTENSITY:

7/10

SETUP

The drill consists of two sessions, one on each side of the field, with five cones on each side.
Position the cones as illustrated in the setup image.
Assign two players at the cones closest to the middle.
Have the remaining players form a line behind the starting cone.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

This drill enhances the players’ ability to execute short passes in tight spaces, precisely timing both the pass and the subsequent movement from player runs. The winger, whether an attacking-winger or a full-back, plays a crucial role in aiding players to develop effective overlap movements during a game. The other attacking players gain insights into movement after making a pass and sustaining their run into the box to receive a cross.

HOW IT WORKS

The drill begins with the starting player executing a one-two pass with the closest player.
Afterward, the starting player passes to the next teammate, who lays it off to the other player at the cones.
This player then delivers a long pass to the starting player, who has continued their run down the field. Simultaneously, the two players at the cones move into the box to receive the cross from the winger.
All involved players rotate position after each cross and shot.
Ensure to play on both sides of the field, encouraging players to utilize both feet.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball and make plays.
Call out your teammate’s name when passing for better teamwork.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post Crossing and Shooting Drill 3 appeared first on Onside - Training.

Crossing and Shooting Drill 2

Onside - Training — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 17:52:44 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

25 min.

FOCUS:

Crossing

AGE:

U13+

INTENSITY:

4/10

SETUP

Set up a square using four cones with approximately 5 meters between each cone, a bit outside the box.
Add cones on both wings of the field.
Position players at each cone, with the remaining players forming two lines behind the square.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

This drill mirrors real-game situations. It begins with short passing combinations in a confined area before a long pass is sent to the wings for a cross to the attackers.

The drill works on passing, long passes, crossing, heading, and scoring near the goal.

The stages of the drill can be directly applied to a game, enhancing the players’ understanding of the attacking phase in real matches.

HOW IT WORKS

Begin with the ball at one of the players farthest from the goal.
The starting player executes a diagonal pass to the other player.
The receiving player lays off the ball for the other player farthest from the goal.
This player then sends a long ball to the winger.
The winger gains control of the ball and delivers a cross.
Simultaneously, the two attacking players in the square move into the box, aiming to time their run for the cross.
After each cross, players rotate positions. (Wingers can remain on the wings for a longer period.)
Ensure to play on both sides of the field, encouraging players to utilize both feet.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball and make plays.
Call out your teammate’s name when passing for better teamwork.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post Crossing and Shooting Drill 2 appeared first on Onside - Training.

Crossing and Shooting Drill 1

Onside - Training — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 14:40:59 +0000

PLAYERS:

TIME:

20 min.

FOCUS:

Crossing

AGE:

U8+

INTENSITY:

2/10

SETUP

Position two cones a few meters outside the box with approximately 5 meters of space between them.
Assign two players to stand at each cone.
Position a winger on one side of the field with a supply of balls.
Place the remaining players a few meters behind the two cones, with a supply of balls at the same location.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

This crossing and shooting drill is straightforward and uncomplicated, making it ideal for any team. It’s easy to set up and provides your players with valuable skills for the attacking part of the game.

During the first phase, players focus on passing in tight spaces and taking shots from outside the box. This helps improve their precision and power in shooting.

In the second part of the drill, players practise crossing the ball and scoring goals. Those positioned in the box also learn to time their runs for the perfect cross.

HOW IT WORKS

The drill has two phases: a shot from outside the box, then a cross into the box. Rotate players after each cross, and make sure crosses are taken from both sides of the field.

1. Variation

Shot From Outside The Box: The drill kicks off with a pass directed to one of the players stationed at the two cones. The player at one of the cones receives the ball, takes a single touch, and swiftly passes it to the player at the opposite cone. The receiving player now executes a single touch before making an attempt on goal.

2. Variation

Cross And Finish: Following the shot, both players move into the box to position themselves for the incoming cross. Simultaneously, the winger takes one or two touches down the pitch and delivers the cross.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball and make plays.
Call out your teammate’s name when passing for better teamwork.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.

The post Crossing and Shooting Drill 1 appeared first on Onside - Training.