Loop and Leap

Objective

• -Combine a wide support player with a header attack
• -Learn curved runs into the box
• -Link crossing shape with heading

Setup

1. 1Make a wide left and right channel with cones.
2. 2Use bibs to split players into crossers and attackers.
3. 3Start with one crosser in a wide lane and two runners in the middle.

How to play

1. 1A central player passes out to the wide crosser.
2. 2As the pass travels, the attackers curve their runs into the box.
3. 3The crosser delivers a high ball to the moving runners.
4. 4One attacker heads at goal or to a target area.
5. 5Players rotate so everyone crosses and attacks.

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 flat in the middle
• -Crossing before the run starts
• -Running in a straight line only