Wide Delivery Practice

Objective

• -Deliver accurate crosses from wide
• -Vary the type of delivery
• -Match the cross to the runners

Setup

1. 1Crossing cones on both flanks level with the box.
2. 2Target zones marked at near post, penalty spot and far post.
3. 3Keeper in goal with balls on each flank.

How to play

1. 1Crosser takes a touch and delivers into a called zone.
2. 2Alternate flanks so both feet are used.
3. 3Six crosses each side.

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

• -Crossing behind the runners
• -Over-hit deliveries
• -Standing still before the cross