Endline Express

Objective

• -Drive quickly to the endline
• -Set up a cross after the first touch
• -Finish at pace

Setup

1. 1Mark a 28 x 18 yard area with an endline crossing zone.
2. 2Place two mini goals near the top of the box area.
3. 3Start players in pairs with one ball on each side.
4. 4Use cones to make a narrow route to the byline.

How to play

1. 1The first player drives down the line at speed.
2. 2With the first touch at the endline, they either cross low or pull the ball back.
3. 3A partner runs on to finish into a mini goal or a marked target area.
4. 4If the ball goes out, the next pair starts straight away.
5. 5Keep the rotation fast so the tempo stays high.

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

• -Heavy first touch
• -Crossing from too far away
• -Runners arriving too early