Box Edge Delivery

Objective

• -Create and use space out wide
• -Combine before crossing
• -Finish from cut-backs and aerial balls

Setup

1. 1Set up a 35 x 25 yard area with a goal at one end.
2. 2Create two wide crossing lanes using cones.
3. 3Place two target attackers in the box and two defenders inside the area.
4. 4Start the wide players with balls near the halfway line.

How to play

1. 1The first wide player dribbles down the flank and looks to combine with a central player.
2. 2After the give-and-go or simple pass, they cross from the lane.
3. 3The two attackers time their runs to attack different zones in the box.
4. 4Defenders try to stop the cross and clear the ball if they can.
5. 5Swap all roles every few deliveries.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Crossing too early with no support
• -Rushing the final touch
• -Running in straight lines into defenders