Crossing

Attack v Defend The Box: Shadow Pressure

Contest crosses in a realistic box

Crossing
Defending
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Attack v Defend The Box: Shadow Pressure is a 18-minute crossing drill for 6-18 players, suitable for Under 10 to Adults at beginner, intermediate, advanced level. You need balls, cones, bibs, full goals. Below you will find the objective, the set-up, how to run it, coaching points, common mistakes, progressions, regressions and variations.

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Crossing
Defending
Heading
Skill Practice
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed
Opposed
Under Pressure
Game Realistic

Duration

18 min

Players

6-18

Pitch size

Penalty area plus flanks

Ability levels

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Objectives

  • -Contest crosses in a realistic box
  • -Defend the delivery as a unit
  • -Attack the ball with intent

Setup

  1. 1Two crossers on each flank with balls.
  2. 2Three attackers against three defenders in the box.
  3. 3Keeper in goal.

Coaching instructions

  1. 1Crossers alternate deliveries into the box.
  2. 2Attackers score, defenders clear beyond the halfway cone.
  3. 3Ten deliveries then swap roles.
  4. 4A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.

Coaching points

  • -Attackers move to lose the marker before the delivery
  • -Defenders see the ball and the runner
  • -Keeper communicates early on the ball
  • -Take the touch away from pressure
  • -Protect the ball with the far foot and body

Common mistakes

  • -Standing side by side with the marker
  • -Watching the ball only
  • -Attacking the ball flat footed

Where this drill fits

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