Corner Lane Crosses

Objective

• -Deliver from angled wide positions
• -Practice crossing under pressure
• -Attack set-piece style deliveries

Setup

1. 1Mark a 25 x 20 yard area with a corner cone on one side.
2. 2Place a full-size goal at the far end with a goalkeeper.
3. 3Create a delivery lane from the corner area to the box.
4. 4Split players into takers, runners and defenders.

How to play

1. 1A taker starts in the corner lane with the ball.
2. 2Two runners make different runs into the box as the ball is served.
3. 3The taker delivers a cross or inswinging ball into the target area.
4. 4Defenders challenge fairly and try to clear the ball.
5. 5Reset quickly and change the taker each round.

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

• -Standing still in the box
• -Poor starting position in the corner
• -Crosses not reaching the danger area