Wide Take-On To Cross

Objective

• -Beat a full-back in a wide area
• -Deliver after the take-on
• -Time the runs into the box

Setup

1. 1Mark a wide channel from halfway to the byline on each side.
2. 2Full goal with a keeper, two runners waiting centrally.
3. 3Winger and full-back start level in the channel.

How to play

1. 1Winger receives, takes on the full-back and crosses.
2. 2Two attackers attack near post and penalty spot.
3. 3Alternate sides each repetition.

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

• -Dribbling into a dead end at the corner flag
• -Crossing with no runners ready
• -Slow, predictable approach