Wing Channel Soccer: Goals off Crosses
A game with two defender-free wing channels where one winger per team plays, and a goal only counts off a low cross from the channel. Students practice playing wide, attacking down the flanks, and finishing on the run.
How to play
- Use a 40 x 25 yd field with goals and goalkeepers. Mark a 4-yard channel along each sideline with cones. Teams of 6: a goalkeeper, one winger per side, and three central players.
- Only the attacking team's winger may be in each channel, and no one can defend them there.
- The central players play 3v3 and look to move the ball wide to the winger, who dribbles and sends a low or waist-high cross into the box.
- Only a goal finished with the foot from a channel cross counts. A direct shot does not count, but the corner kick it may earn does.
- Play four 5-minute periods; after each one, wingers rotate into the middle. With 25 students, the resting team shags balls.
Rules
- No heading: with a regulation ball, crosses must stay on the ground or below the waist.
- Defenders cannot enter the channels but can intercept inside the field.
- No charging the goalkeeper on a finish; the goalkeeper comes out with arms first, never feet first.
Variations
Easier
A cross from the channel earns a free shot from the penalty spot.
Standard
Goals count only after a low cross from the free wing channel.
Harder
One defender may enter the channel to pressure the winger as soon as the winger receives.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays winger in a shorter channel and crosses from a standing position.
- Hearing impairment: use bright cones for the channels and signal period changes by raising a pinnie.
- Lower skill level: the student plays winger, where they receive without pressure and have time to decide.
Learning goals
- Stretch the attack by using the width of the field.
- Cross accurately into the finishing zone.
- Time runs into the box to finish with the foot.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soccer balls: 6
- goals: 2
- cones: 12
- pinnies (two colors): 12
Teacher tip
Keep reminding central players not to stand still in the box: they should arrive on the run at the penalty spot and the back post. Restate the no-heading rule often, because the temptation is strong.
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