Getting on the end of a cross

By David Clarke

This fast-moving crossing game tests attackers’ ability to score with their head or their feet. Players are constantly moving and finding the right positions to take advantage of the balls played to them. It recreates situations your attackers will face in the matches they play.

How to play it

Check out the illustration above. You have to make sure your players are performing at pace and thinking about where they are running and the accuracy of their passing or shooting.

• Set up a 30-yard square or use the penalty area of your pitch.
• Place two cones 10 yards apart, which players have to run around.
  
• Have your main group of players – you need at least two – stand to the left of the playing area with a few balls.
• You, or a server, stand to the right with a few balls.
  
• You need a player standing at position B, who crosses the ball.
  
• Use two goals and two goalkeepers – keep changing the goalkeepers.
• The first player in the group (player A) passes to player B then runs around the cone into a position to score in goal 1. Player B then runs towards goal 2 and shoots from a ball played by you. Player A then replaces player B, who returns to the group. Repeat.

How to advance it

You can advance the session by adding a defender who stands near each goal to try and stop the attacker or win the ball. Make the session competitive by using two groups of players and see who scores the most goals in five minutes.