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This session is about attacking from crosses with two centre-forwards.
Area | Half pitch |
Equipment | Balls, cones, goals, mannequins (optional) |
No. of Players | 20 |
Session Time | Session 15mins, development 15mins, game 20mins |
This session is about attacking from crosses with two centre-forwards.
It’s important to practise this because statistics show that most goalscoring opportunities in matches come from the flanks. Players therefore need to be aware of how and when to make the most effective attacking runs.
This session encourages good technique and allows players to see a move gradually build in front of them.
Examples of attacking from crosses can be seen and analysed every week in the way teams play. Therefore, perfecting this approach creates maximum impact.
Our recent goal against Bristol Rovers in the Carling Cup came about through great build-up play on the flanks, with a precise Craig Forsyth cross that was poked home by Marvin Sordell.
We use a a 50x40-yard area with a goal at each end; unopposed 9-a-side plus two keepers. Four players from each team wait to the right of the goal with three in the right channel (one in a full-back role, then two wingers high up the pitch). There are two attackers in the centre. Both teams work simultaneously and players follow their passes, although we might plan non-changing roles for key men.
To start, the ball is served to the full-back, who plays down the line to one of the two wingers. They combine with a quick one-two or overlap and a ball is sent in to the centre-forwards, who make designated runs towards the near or far post, attempting to score (1a).
Next we rerun the move but add an extra player infield. And attackers now make crossover runs in the box (1b).
Passing and crossing must be quick and precise. Attackers must make sharp, positive movements, staying focused so as to ensure they don’t arrive in the six-yard box too early.
We progress by adding mannequins (or cones) or defenders to give attackers a new challenge, enabling us to choose opposed and unopposed situations (1c).
Next, each side’s infield passer will join the attack. After feeding a winger, he sprints into an additional six-yard box placed behind the first. His aim is to reach any cross that might inadvertently come in behind the two attackers. We refer to these areas as the ‘positions of maximum opportunity’ (1d).
For a small-sided game, we play 9v9 plus two keepers in a half pitch narrowed by 10 yards on either flank. An attacker from each side occupies a corner box his team is attacking (2a). Any goalscoring assist must come from these areas. Other players may enter this box, and the winger on the non-crossing side can come into the middle to create an overload of attackers in front of goal (2b).
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