Underload Double Wide Crossing

Objective

• -Repeat crossing reps from both sides
• -Vary the type of delivery
• -Keep strikers busy with continuous service

Setup

1. 1Crossing stations on both wings with a finishing box in front of goal in a 42 x 30 yards area.
2. 2Add one extra defender to the working area and mark their start position with a flat cone.
3. 3Balls at both wide stations, keeper in goal.

How to play

1. 1Left side delivers, strikers attack, then right side delivers immediately.
2. 2Wingers alternate between driven, clipped and cut-back deliveries.
3. 3Strikers rotate out after four attacks.
4. 4The attacking group starts a player short, so every entry pass has to be sharp.
5. 5Defenders score a point for every clean turnover; attackers need three clean end actions to win the round.

Progressions

• +Add a second extra defender
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Even the numbers up again
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Attackers get one 'free pass' per round they can call
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Same cross every time
• -Strikers ball-watching between deliveries
• -Trying to beat two players instead of releasing early