As a team, you want to create and score as many goals as possible. One way in which teams will try to do this is by playing the ball into wide areas where players will cross the ball into the opposing team’s box for a striker to have an easy attempt on goal. These soccer drills for crossing and finishing will help your strikers to score more goals from crosses and make sure your wide players are able to play the perfect cross that finds your strikers.
Soccer drills for crossing and finishing
Here are my 10 favorite soccer drills for crossing and finishing.
There are also 6 different types of crosses that you should encourage your players to play.
1. Crossing and finishing soccer drill 3 v 2
Set up:
- 10 x 15-yard area with two 2.5 yard channels
- 1 big goal
- 3 smaller goals
- 5 players (2 defenders, 3 attackers)
- 5 soccer balls
Instructions:
The attackers will always start with the ball from behind the smaller goals and the defenders can pressure as soon as the ball is brought into play either through dribbling or a pass.
At the end of a phase of play, the attackers will always start with the ball and get 5 attempts to get as many goals as they can.
The attacking team will get a bonus point for each rule they score by.
If they score a goal where the assist came from a channel that will be 1 point.
If they score a goal where the finish was a first-time finish that will be 1 point.
For example, if a goal was scored where the finish was a first-time finish but the assist did not come from a wide area that will be 2 points.
If the defending team wins the ball they will get a point if they are able to score in any of the 3 smaller goals on the opposite side.
At the end of the 5 attempts swap the defenders around.
Coaching points:
- Use the whole width of the area when attacking (make the field as big as possible)
- Find a space to support the wide player either forwards or backward
- As a wide player be confident to get away from the defender and deliver a cross as early as possible
Questions that can lead to coaching points:
- When you are attacking do you want to be close together or spread out?
- If you do not have the ball where can you go to help support the wide player?
- When you get the ball as a wide player what should your first thought be?
2. Crossing and finishing soccer drill 3v3
Set up:
- 10 x 15-yard area with two 2.5 yard channels
- 2 goals
- 3 teams of 3
- 1 soccer ball per team
Instructions:
This will be a continuous attacking drill that involves quick transitions from attack to defense.
Start with 2 teams behind 1 goal and 1 team behind the goal on the opposite side.
The drill will begin with one attacking team combing passes and scoring the goal opposite them, as soon as that goal is scored (or if the ball goes out of bounds) they will become defenders with the next team attacking trying to score a goal.
The attacking team will get a bonus point for each rule they score by.
If they score a goal where the assist came from a channel that will be 1 point.
If they score a goal where the finish was a first-time finish that will be 1 point.
For example, if a goal was scored where the goal was not a first-time finish but the assist came from a wide area that will be 2 points.
The defenders can score 1 point if they win the ball back and score in the opposite goal to the attackers.
Coaching points:
- Attack quickly to prevent the defending team from organizing themselves
- To be able to play quick scan the area before you receive the ball so decisions can be made quicker
- If you do not have the ball think about what forward runs you make to support the player on the ball.
Questions that can lead to coaching points:
- Should you attack fast or slow? Why?
- What should you do before you receive the ball so you can make decisions as quickly as possible?
- If you don’t have the ball what type of runs can you make?
3. 3v2 playing to the striker and getting the ball wide
Set up:
- 10 x 15-yard area
- 2 goals
- 5 players (left defender, right defender, striker, left midfield, right midfield)
- 1 soccer ball per 5 players
Instructions:
Set up your area, divide your players into 2 defenders and 3 attackers and put them into their positions, and set up the goals opposite each other.
For this soccer drill, the left or right midfield will start with the ball, they will pass the ball to the striker. As soon as the ball is played the defenders can pressure to try and win the ball back. with the striker having their back to goal this will encourage them to play the ball to the left or right midfield
The attacking 3 must try to combine passes and score the goal. If the defenders win the ball back they try and score in the goal opposite.
Encourage the striker to play the ball out wide and the players in the wide position give them an option to pass to.
Coaching points:
- If you are the striker play the way you are facing (turn if you have checked your shoulder and know you have enough time to do so)
- As a wide player can you help support the striker and look to cross the ball
- As the striker, once you have passed the ball out wide create an option forward to the wider player can cross you the ball
Questions that can lead to coaching points:
- When should you play back/ when should you turn?
- How can you help support the attack as a wide player?
- Once you have passed the ball to the wide player what should your next thought be?
4. 1v1 crossing soccer drill
Set up:
- 7 x 15 yard Channel
- 2 teams of 3
- 3 soccer balls
- 5 x 5-yard square
- 1 large goal
- 2 pug goals
Instructions:
The drill will start with the defender who will pass the ball to the wide player, the wide players must then try to cross the ball into the box. the wide player can either go down the outside of the defender or cut inside and cross that way.
If the wide player is able to cross the ball and it travels through the square they will get one point, however, if the wide player is able to cross the ball and they score in one of the pug goals they will get 3 points.
If the defender is able to block the cross and dribble past the cone the wide player started on then they will get 1 point.
swap the defenders and at the attacker’s round to make sure they get an equal chance to defend and cross the ball.
Also, alternate sides from which the cross comes.
Coaching points:
- Use a skill to give yourself the space to cross
- Make sure the last touch you have before you cross the ball is out of your feet
- Try to deliver the cross as early as possible
Questions that can lead to coaching points:
- How can you create space for yourself to deliver the cross?
- What should your last touch be like to make it easier for you to cross?
- When should you deliver the ball into the box? Why?
5. 2v2 crossing and finishing soccer drill
Set up:
- 7 x 15 yard Channel
- 1 goal
- 2 defenders (1 central defender, 1 fullback)
- 2 attackers (1 wide player, 1 striker)
- 5 soccer balls
Instructions:
For this drill, the ball will always start with the wide player.
As soon as the wide player dribbles into play the defender can begin to pressure.
The phase of play comes to an end if the ball goes out of bounds, if a goal is scored or if the defender dribbles past the line that the wide player started on.
If the striker is able to score with a first finish the goal will be worth 3. If they score a goal it will just be worth 1 goal.
If the defending team can dribble past the cone the wide player started on they will get 1 point.
After 5 attempts the pairs will swap attacking and defending roles.
The team with the most goals is the winner.
Coaching points:
- Create space for yourself, the first movement should be away from the space the second movement toward the space
- Communicated with your wide player and let them know where you want the cross played
- Time your run and keep your eye on the ball
Questions that can lead to coaching points:
- How can you create space for yourself?
- How can you help your wide player know where to put the cross?
- What should you be doing as the cross comes in?
6. 3v3 crossing and finishing soccer drill
Set up:
- 10 x 15-yard area
- 2 teams of 3 (1 defending team, 1 attacking team)
- 2 goals
- 6 soccer balls
Instructions:
Set up your area and divide your players into 2 teams of 3. There will be a defending team and an attacking team.
In the attacking team, there will be 2 wide players, they will alternate turns trying to dribble past the full-back on either side to deliver a cross to the striker in the middle.
The opposite wide player can join the attack to create a 2v2 in the middle
The defending team will be made up of 2 fullbacks who will try to block the cross from the wide players and a central defender who will try to stop the striker from scoring.
The wide players will start with the ball and can become live as soon as the phase of play has ended (either by a goal being scored or the ball going out of bounds). The wide defender can pressure as soon as the wide player starts dribbling.
If the striker is able to score a goal that will count as 1 point, however, if the striker is able to score from the cross with a first-time finish that will count as 3 goals.
If the defender wins the ball it will become a 3v3 with the defending team trying to score in either of the opposite goals for 1 point
Swap the defenders and attackers around until every player on each team has had a chance to be the striker.
The winning team will be the team with the most points.
Coaching points:
- Try to deliver the cross as early as possible
- The Cross should be played in front of the striker
- If you are the striker use different movements to get away from the defender
Questions that can lead to coaching points:
- When should you cross the ball? Why?
- Where should the cross be played?
- If you are the striker how can you get away from the defender?
7. crossing and finishing in a pairs soccer drill
Set up:
- 10 x 15-yard area
- 2 teams of 2
- 2 goals
- 1 soccer ball per team
Instructions:
Set up your area with 2 goals opposite each other on each 10-yard line.
In this soccer drill, the player crossing the ball will not be put under pressure with the main focus being on the striker.
Create your teams of 2 with one of the players crossing the ball and the other player in the middle.
The wide players will alternate taking crosses to their teammates in the middle, with other teams’ players becoming the defender trying to stop them.
If the striker is able to score a goal they will get one point but if they are able to score with a first-time finish then the goal will be worth 3 points.
If the defender is able to win the ball and score in the opposite goal they will get 1 point.
The team with the most points will be the winning team.
Coaching points:
- A quick movement to get away from the defender, first move away from the space second is towards the space.
- Communicate with your wide player as to where you want the ball
- Time the run, keep your eye on the ball and commit to the cross
Questions that can lead to coaching points:
- How can you get away from the defender?
- How does the wide player know where to put the ball?
- What can you do to increase your chance of scoring the first time?
8. 2v2 in the box for a player movement soccer drill
Set up:
- 10 x 15-yard area
- 2 teams of 4
- 2 goals
- 1 soccer ball per team
Instructions:
Use the same setup as before the 4 players in middle (2 from each team) attacking and defending crosses depending on which team is crossing the ball.
With a first-time finish counting as 3 goals. If the defending team wins the ball they can score in the goal opposite.
Encourage your strikers to coordinate their movements. As one player moves into a different space dragging a defender with them, this has now created a new space for the other player to attack and move into.
for example, if a player starts at the front post and checks to the back post, this has created space for a player to now attack the space at the front space.
Coaching points:
- Communicate with your teammate so you know who is attacking the ball (defenders and attackers)
- Communicate with the wide player so they know where to put the cross
- Drag a defender away to create a new space for your teammate
Questions that can lead to coaching points:
- How do you know who going to attack the ball from the cross?
- How will the wide player know where to put the cross?
- What can you do to create space for your teammate?
9. Finishing from crosses soccer drill
Set up:
- 10 x 15-yard area
- 1 goal
- 6 soccer balls
- 4 players ( 3 players crossing with 1 striker)
- 3 cones
Instructions:
This is a soccer drill that focuses on strikers finishing ability from different types of crosses from different angles.
Create your area and set up a triangle with the 3 cones and place the striker inside the triangle, this is the player to who the crosses will be delivered. 1 player will be on the left wing, 1 will be on the right wing and the last player will be on the touchline to provide a pull-back cross.
Each time the striker has an attempt at goal they touch a cone that makes up a triangle before the next cross comes in.
If the striker scores a goal they will get one point and if they can finish the first time they will get 3 points.
There will be 2 rotations so each striker will have 6 attempts. The striker with the most points will be the winner.
Encourage your wide players to try different ways to cross the ball.
This can be progressed by introducing a goalkeeper or removing the triangle and adding a defender.
Coaching points:
- Communicate with your teammates to let them know where and when you want the ball
- Time you run to make contact with the ball
- Scan the area before the cross comes in so you know where the goal is
Questions that can lead to coaching points:
- How will your teammates know when and where to cross it to you?
- What happens if you make your run too early/ too late?
- How do you know where the goal is before the cross comes in?
10. Heading 1v1 finishing soccer drill
Set up:
- 7 x 10-yard area
- 4 players (2 throwers, 1 striker, and 1 defender)
- 1 goal
- 3 soccer balls per thrower
Instructions:
This soccer drill can be used to help introduce winning a header against a defender. Set up your area with your defender and striker in the middle with your 2 throwers off to the side.
The throwers will alternate throwing the soccer ball to the attacker, they can vary the way throw the ball to mimic different types of crosses.
For each goal the striker scores that will be one point.
Swap the players around so everyone has a chance to be the defender, attacker, and thrower.
Coaching points:
- Use quick changes of pace and direction to lose the defender
- Communicate with teammates throwing the ball in so they know where to throw it
- When heading keep your eye on the ball, using your forehead to make contact with the ball
Questions that can lead to coaching points:
- How can you lose the defender?
- What can you do to help the thrower know where to throw the ball for you?
- What technique should you use when heading the ball?
Click here for our step-by-step guide to head a ball with other soccer games you can play to get your players heading the ball.
Crossing and finishing coaching points
During these soccer drills for crossing and finishing it is important that you consistently reinforce these coaching points, the coaching points will be different depending on what the focus on the session is, crossing or finishing.
I would recommend focusing on either the crossing aspect or the finishing aspect per session but you can easily repeat the drill in the next session and alter the focus or the coaching points.
Coaching points for crossing
- Keep your head up before crossing
By keeping your head up you will be able to see the attacking options you have in the opponents’ box, by doing this you will be able to deliver the most appropriate cross most likely to end in a goal.
- Deliver the ball into a dangerous area
If you do not have time to get your head try to deliver the ball into a dangerous area.
A dangerous area to deliver the ball is the channel (the channel of uncertainty) between the goalkeeper and the defenders, a good attacker will know to attack this area.
This can cause confusion between the defenders and goalkeepers as they will be unsure who will claim the ball.
- Use a skill to create space for yourself
As wide player defenders are going to close you down to prevent you from crossing the ball into a dangerous area, so to create space for yourself use a skill not to beat the defender but to give yourself a yard of space and an angle to deliver the cross.
- The touch before you cross should be out of your feet
It is really important that the touch before you cross is out of your feet, this enables you to balance yourself and generate the power to deliver the cross. By having a good first touch out of your feet it allows you to play an earlier cross which can catch defenders off guard
Coaching points for finishing
- Communicate with the player crossing the ball
Communicating with the wide player as to where you want the cross delivered can help you score more goals, especially if the wide player does not have time to look up.
By shouting an area that you want the cross delivered the wide player will know where you are looking to attack, so can try to deliver the ball to that specific area.
- Use movement to get away from the defenders
If you are an attacker you are standing still you are very easy to defend against, by moving you are dragging defenders out of positions that can create space for yourself and your teammates.
As an attacker, your first movement should be away from the space you want to attack (this will drag the defender away) and your second movement should back towards the space you want to attack.
- Time your runs
Regardless of how well you communicate and move to get away from the defenders if you cannot time your runs you will not score.
Always keep your eye on the ball and try to judge the flight of the ball so when you meet the ball you can make a perfect connection.
If you go too early, then you will be under the ball or in front of the ball. If you go too late the ball has already passed you and the defender has cleared it.
- Try and finish with one touch
If you are an attacker in the opposing team’s box you will be surrounded by defenders, meaning if you want to take a touch you will be closed down immediately and your opportunity to score will disappear.
To prevent this your shot on goal should be your first touch.
Most of the time crosses will be delivered with enough power for you to divert it towards the goal.
Soccer drills for crossing and finishing Conclusion
This post has given you practical soccer drills for crossing and finishing that you can use for your soccer teams. The aim of these soccer drills for crossing and finishing was to try and give the players as much variety and repetition as possible in game-like scenarios.
The ball has to go wide to get your team in a crossing position in the first place, these drills will help your team get the ball wide
If you have any other soccer drills for crossing and finishing that you have used, please share them using the comment section below.
Also if you know a coach who would find these soccer drills for crossing and finishing useful then please share using our social media buttons.
Thank you!
Toby
Related Posts:
- Crossing and Finishing Soccer Session
- 15 Soccer Drills For Passing And Moving
- 10 Soccer Drills That Teach Spacing
The Youth Soccer Coaching Handbook
Take the stress out of coaching youth soccer with 250+ pre-made soccer sessions and drills, just turn up and coach!
Here’s the breakdown of what you’ll find inside:
- 35 Defending Drills
- 35 Dribbling and 1v1 Drills
- 21 SAQ Drills
- 47 Passing, Control, and Possession drills
- 31 Goalkeeper drills
- 36 Shooting and Finishing drills
- 30 Soccer Games U4 – U8
- 20 Pre-made soccer sessions (90 minutes in length each)
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