Session: AO.108 ![]()
Exercise Objectives
- To train a team in soccer finishing techniques.
- To train a team in soccer crossing techniques.
- Develop wide player's ability to beat opponents 1vs1 and deliver a cross.
Organisation

Diagram 1. Set-Up Arrangement
Set-Up
- 2 teams compete to try and score in the soccer goals under the restriction that the finishing player must score from a cross.
- The goal only counts if it follows a cross from the flank area.
- Players in the central area cannot go over the half way line. So they play 2vs2 in each half of the field.
- The flank player who does not have possession of the ball is semi-active (they can only block crosses, they cannot tackle).
- The ball must be played into the central area before it can be played into zone A or B. Can require a minimum number of passes in the central area also, if needed to create realism.
- If the defending flank player intercepts the cross they can retain possession.
- The flank player in possession of the ball can combine with their teammates in the central playing areas. Switch wide players frequently.
Start Position(s)
- GK distributes into the Yellow Right Striker (RS).
- RS then passes out to the Yellow Right Wing player (RW).
- The winger takes on the Red Right Back (RB) in a 1vs 1.
- Once the RW has the space to deliver a cross they play into the central area for a striker. In this case Yellow Left Striker (LS).
- LS finishes on goal.
Scoring
- The attacking team scores by scoring in the full size goal.
Coaching Points
- 1vs1 ability and confidence to take players on (i.e. feints, sop start moves, pace, etc).
- Delivery of the cross and type of cross (i.e. low, far post, near post, driven, etc).
- Forwards to create space with good runs for crosses (i.e. near post, far post, etc).
- Look for combinations with flank players.
- Look to counter attack and get the ball wide as quick as possible.
Progressions
- The opponent in the flank area are free to tackle each other and play 1vs1 with no conditions.
- Allow central players to cross the half way line. This way the defending players can step forward and attack the crosses.
- Allow the weak side attacking flank player to enter the central area to finish crosses from the opposite side also.
- 7vs7 game - 3 pts for a headed goal from the flank area, 2 pts for a volley/half volley. All other crosses and goals count as 1pt. This game can also be played requiring a goal originates from the flank channels only or from anywhere on the pitch.

Diagram 2. 2vs1 in the Flank Areas
Variations
- Allow a secondary attacking player to enter the flank area to support the RW. This player can assist in developing 1-2's and overlaps (refer to diagram 2).



