Drills / Team practice

Low crosses and cut-backs

A wide player runs down the line and plays the ball low across the goal or back to the edge of the box. Two runners attack it: one to the near post, one to the penalty spot.

Players
6 to 12, plus a goalkeeper
Space
Half of a 7v7 or 9v9 pitch
Kit
A goal, balls, 6 cones
Time
15 minutes
Age
Under-10s and older
NEAR POSTCUT-BACKGKW12
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Set up

  • A wide player starts on each wing at halfway with balls.
  • Two central players start 25 m from goal. A goalkeeper in goal.

How it works

  1. A central player passes out wide.
  2. The wide player dribbles to the cone near the corner of the box.
  3. The two central players run in: one to the near post, one to the penalty spot.
  4. Low cross or cut-back, finished first time. Alternate wings.

What to work on

  • Wide player: look up before you cross, and play it into the space, not at a player.
  • Keep it low and hard across the six-yard area, where the keeper cannot reach it.
  • Runners: time the run so you arrive as the ball does. Do not stand and wait.
  • The cut-back to the penalty spot is one of the best chances in football. Look for it.

Easier

No goalkeeper at first, or a passive defender.

Harder

Add one defender in the box, then two.

Especially good for: full-back and wing-back, winger and wide midfielder.

Safety. No heading in this practice. The FA's heading guidance limits it to older age groups, so keep every cross on the ground and finish with the feet.

Planning a whole session? The session planner builds one around this kind of practice.

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