Finishing: Crossing and Box Runs
Finishing practice featuring a wide player and two strikers working on coordinated box entries across the near post, far post, and penalty spot.
In possession · Scoring from wide areas3 attackers + 2 defenders + 1 goalkeeperHalf pitchU13 to senior15 min
Organisation
- • Wide player starts on the touchline around the halfway line.
- • Two strikers set up centrally 25 metres out, with one midfielder positioned behind them.
- • Two central defenders inside the penalty box, goalkeeper in goal.
Rules
- • Wide player drives forward and delivers a cross from outside the 18-yard box.
- • Attackers must stagger their runs to occupy the near post, far post, and penalty spot.
- • Goal scored from a header or first-time volley = 2 points.
- • If defenders win possession, they transition by playing out to the coach.
Coaching points
- • Timing of runs: only attack the box when the wide player gets their head up—do not go too early.
- • Counter-movements: pull away from the defender before darting across them to attack the ball.
- • Occupy distinct zones: never make duplicate runs into the same space.
- • Wide player: scan the box to pick out an attacker before delivering the cross.
Variations
- • Easier: run unopposed (remove the defenders).
- • Harder: add a 3rd defender playing as a holding midfielder tracking back.
- • Work on cut-backs: low driven cross pulled back towards the edge of the box / penalty spot.