Wing Burst Crosses

Objective

• -Time a run to the byline
• -Deliver a cross from wide areas
• -Attack the box with purpose

Setup

1. 1Mark a 40 x 30 yard area with a wide channel down each side.
2. 2Place a full-size goal with a goalkeeper at one end and a mini goal at the other end.
3. 3Split players into wide servers, central attackers and defenders.
4. 4Keep spare balls with the coach near the side of the pitch.

How to play

1. 1The wide player starts with the ball near halfway in the channel.
2. 2An attacker makes a run into the box as the wide player drives forward.
3. 3The wide player crosses early or from the byline depending on space.
4. 4Attackers finish first time if possible while defenders try to clear.
5. 5Rotate roles after each attack and restart from the coach if the ball goes dead.

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 with no runners
• -Standing and watching after the pass
• -Delivering flat balls to the first defender