Cross and Counter

Objective

• -Attack wide then recover quickly
• -Use crossing in live play
• -React to turnovers

Setup

1. 1Mark a 45 x 35 yard pitch with a full-size goal and goalkeeper.
2. 2Create wide areas using cones on each side.
3. 3Play 5v5, 6v6 or 7v7 depending on numbers.
4. 4Place spare balls with the coach for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1Teams score by crossing from wide play and finishing in the goal.
2. 2If the defending team wins the ball, they can counter into two small target zones or the same goal if space opens.
3. 3After each loss of possession, players must recover into shape quickly.
4. 4Encourage both teams to use the flanks rather than staying central.
5. 5Restart immediately after goals or clearances.

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

• -Ball-watching after the turnover
• -Leaving the wide areas empty
• -Slow support to the crosser