Overload Cutback Finish

Objective

• -Finish from cutbacks along the ground
• -Time the run to the penalty spot
• -Improve first-time contact from wide service

Setup

1. 1Wide starting cones with a marked cutback zone by the byline in a 39 x 32 yards area.
2. 2Split the group so the attacking side always has one spare player, and park the spare bibs on the halfway cone.
3. 3Balls in both wide areas, keeper in goal.

How to play

1. 1Wide player drives to the byline and cuts the ball back.
2. 2Two runners attack the near post and penalty spot.
3. 3Alternate sides each rep.
4. 4The spare player joins whichever side has the ball, so the attack always works with a plus-one.
5. 5A goal or completed end action counts double if the spare player touched the ball in the build-up.

Progressions

• +Remove the overload for the last two rounds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Give the attack two spare players
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Rotate the spare player every 90 seconds
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Runners arriving before the cross
• -Cutbacks aimed at the keeper
• -Spare player standing still instead of offering an angle