Why Use This Drill? 

The Shooting Competition Drill provides players with a great chance to take multiple shots on goal in a dynamic and competitive setting. The competitive aspect of the drill inspires players to actively seek the ball during the cross, striving to score and accumulate points to outperform their teammates. The inclusion of crossing enhances players’ skills in timing their runs into the box efficiently and strategically moving into the box to get the ball.

How It Works

In this drill players engage in a 3-player battle, therefore it’s ideal to have 6 or 9 outfield players plus 1 crossing player (who can also be the coach). If your player count doesn’t align with this, you can opt for an everyone-against-each-other approach.

The objective for the players can be set between 10 to 20 points, depending on the player level and the chosen points system.

The three initial players, stationed at the cones, engage in a competition to score the most goals. Each of these players initiates a one-two with their teammate and takes a shot on goal from outside the box, earning 1 point for each successful goal.

After all three players have taken their shots, they move into the box, anticipating a cross. If any of them scores from the cross, they gain an additional point. The ball is considered out of play only if it goes beyond the line or is cleared out of the box.

Following the cross, the players rotate positions with their other teammates, who then repeat the process. After both players from one set of cones have taken their shots, there’s a rotation to ensure every player gets the opportunity to shoot from every position.

To add more excitement to the cross, consider making a goal resulting from the cross count as 2 points. It’s essential to conduct crosses from both sides for a well-rounded drill.

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

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.

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 midfields passes 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.

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.

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

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

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