Play the video below to get the full coaching points!

This is a simple soccer drill that helps you coach the strikers to make cross over runs in the final third of the pitch. And then extends the drill so that you can work with the midfield players to have them work on their cross over runs too.

The video below that explains all the key coaching points is split into three parts. In the first its an explaination of what movement you want the players to make. This should be done unopposed so that the attackers get to know what is expected of them and the movement they need to make before you add in the complexity of have the defenders get progressively more aggressive in their tackles.

Watch the drill animation below for set up.

ORGANISATION

Use a half pitch practice for this drill so that the players get a good orientation on the pitch and understand distances and therefore the distance they need to cover and how hard they need to work. Adjust pitch sized according to the age group of the players that you are working with.

The attacking midfield player should dribble the ball towards the penalty box, the two attackers should then link up and execute their cross over run, having made contact with each and communicated where and when to make the run.

The timing of the run and more importantly change in tempo, picking up the pace of the run to lose their marker and gain an extra yard of space should be observed and if its not there remind the players that they should be trying to lose their marker.

The player on the ball should be looking to make a telling pass with the right weight and accuracy so that the attackers can run onto the ball.

Crosses and shots in on goal should be encouraged when players then have the opportunity

EQUIPMENT

Plenty of soccer balls, flags, half pitch, 8 players+

COACHING POINTS

Attackers

• Communication between players
• Change of tempo to pick up the pace and lose their marker
• Timing of runs so that it creates confusion in defense
• Create space for the player on the ball
• Provide options and run into space

PROGRESSION

In order to progress this drill you could...

• Use both sides of the pitch, left and right channels
• Increase the number of defenders
• Add in more attackers
• Use one and touch touch conditions

Cross Over Runs

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