Combination Play with Crossing and Finishing

Setup

• You will need the attacking third of the field, including a full size goal, to perform this crossing and finishing drill.
• Set a training stick on each sideline about 5 yards in and equal to the top of the penalty box. These training stick will serve as an obstacle for the crosser to run around to make sure they are getting as wide as they can.
• Set a cone about 10 yards from the each of the flags towards mid-field. This will be the starting point of the outside crossing players.
• About 12-15 yards from the penalty area create a grid that is about 15 yards wide and 10 yards deep. Each of these cones will be a starting point for each of the players to perform the combination play.
• You will need a large supply of balls just outside the grid on the midfield side.

 

Instructions

1. Player 1 starts with the ball and passes into player 2 who lays a ball off in the direction of player 3.
2. Player 2 then makes a run around BEHIND Player 3 and makes a back post run.
3. Player 3 then passes a firm ball into the corner of the field into the space of player 4, and makes a run around Player 2's cone and times his run onto the front post.
4. Player 4 makes a run around the outside of the training stick towards the corner flag, has a prep touch and serves the ball into the finishing forwards. The forwards should work together to finish on goal. 
5. The first 2 players step up to the next grid.
6. Repeat the crossing and finishing drill in the other direction for a right footed cross.

Variations

• Have players play in 1 touch. Allow the crosser to have 2 touches unless the pace of the ball allows him to hit it first time.