Finishing from Crosses: Three Runs into the Box

A wide attack that ends with a cross and three finishers who must fill the near post, far post and penalty spot. Students work on timing runs into the box, finishing with the inside of the foot or a soft header, and reading the type of cross.

How to play

1. At each goal, mark three finishing zones with cones, near post, far post and penalty spot, plus a wide channel for the winger (3 min).
2. Unopposed wave: the winger dribbles and plays a low cross while the three finishers make crossing runs into their zones; the goalkeeper rotates every five crosses (6 min).
3. Add a defender who starts when the winger crosses; the winger decides between a low ball to the near post and a deeper one to the far post (6 min).
4. 3v2 plus goalkeeper: crosses only count from the wide channel and a first-time goal counts double (7 min).
5. Tally goals by finishing zone and discuss which run was most effective (3 min).

Rules

• Headers are only taken from soft, mid-height crosses and with an underinflated ball.
• The goalkeeper wears gloves and finishers may not jump into the six-yard box.
• Waiting groups stand behind the opposite goal, never beside the box.
• Rotate roles every five crosses: winger, finishers, defender and goalkeeper.

Variations

Adaptations

• Partial visual impairment: brightly colored ball and low crosses, with the crosser calling out before striking.
• Fear of high balls: finishes only low crosses around the penalty spot.
• Limited mobility: acts as crosser from a fixed spot, passing with the hand or foot.

Learning goals

• Fill the three finishing zones in a coordinated way.
• Finish first time with the right surface.
• Read the type of cross to attack the right space.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 16
• balls: 12
• pinnies: 8
• goals: 2

Teacher tip

For safe heading, use futsal balls or softer balls and cap the number of headers per student.

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