Wide Channel 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 41 x 34 yards area.
2. 2Mark five-yard channels down both touchlines with flat cones.
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 practice is started by a pass into one of the wide channels.
5. 5End actions only count when the ball has travelled through a wide channel first.

Progressions

• +Defender allowed into the channel to make it live
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Channel is a free zone with no defender at all
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch the ball to the far channel before the end action
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Runners arriving before the cross
• -Cutbacks aimed at the keeper
• -Everything funnelling into a crowded middle