Crosses from danger zones

This session looks at crossing the ball into the penalty area from advanced positions, also known as danger zones. These areas are crucial in the game because they’re so difficult for the opposition to defend.

The aim of the practice is, of course, to find the net, but it features movement and positional play for attackers, wingers and midfielders too, with defenders involved in the opposed progressions.

The session we have outlined shows specific movement of one chosen scenario, though of course, variations of crossing and movement exist.

What do I get the players to do?

We set up initially with a six-man unopposed attacking move in the final third, plus a keeper. There is a midfielder (placed centrally), three wingers (two on one side) and two strikers (on the edge of the box).

In the chosen scenario, the midfielder plays out to one of the two wingers on the right. As soon as the winger’s first touch lays the ball to the nearest striker, the second winger overlaps into what we class as a crossing danger zone – namely, a 10-yard strip running the outside the 18-yard box – and crosses (1a).

1a

Both strikers must challenge for the ball, along with the third winger who approaches from the opposite flank. To reduce the chance of the cross beating the striking duo, striker 1 should run to the near post with striker 2 coming across behind him on a diagonal run (1b). Now rerun on the opposite flank.

1b

How do I progress the session?

For the next phase, we make one of the wingers a defender. The midfielder passes in to either of the two strikers, who must protect the ball from the defender and play it back (2a). It now goes wide to a winger, who takes a first touch into danger zone, before crossing. (2b)

2a

2b

In the second progression, an overlapping full-back comes into play. The midfielder feeds the ball out to the right and the winger’s touch takes him infield slightly. But the full-back overlaps,
receives the pass and crosses. (3a)

3a

In the centre is 2v2, defenders versus strikers, although attacking options can be increased by encouraging the opposite winger and midfielder to move in. (3b)

3b

What are the key things to look for technically/tactically?

Danger zones are key areas and we’ll reference them frequently in this session. In essence, we’re looking for players to adopt good body shape and to approach the ball with intelligent runs.

The strikers’ runs should be timed in order to meet the ball on the move.

For overlapping wingers, the full-back must not advance past the wide man until the pass is made, for fear of straying offside.