Back-Post Bank

Objective

• -Attack crosses at the far post
• -Judge flight and run timing
• -Head across goal or down into target

Setup

1. 1Set a wide channel with two crossing spots on one side.
2. 2Place a mini goal or cone target at the far post area.
3. 3Split players into crossers, runners and servers at the opposite side.

How to play

1. 1The server rolls or clips a ball to the crosser.
2. 2The crosser sends a simple lofted ball into the far-post zone.
3. 3A runner times the run and heads toward the target.
4. 4After each attack, players switch roles and repeat from both crossing spots.
5. 5Keep the feed consistent so players can focus on movement and contact.

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

• -Arriving too early and stopping
• -Jumping from too far under the ball
• -Heading straight up instead of toward goal