CROSS-OVER RUNS

The 'Cross-Over' is a simple but effective method of creating space that is used by attacking players when the play becomes tight. The idea is to draw defenders together in order to create space either side of them. The attackers then have the option of exploiting space either side.

Organisation

Area Players

Cross Over Runs 1

20 x 25
2 Attackers
2 Defenders
1 Goalkeeper

Equipment

Footballs
Bibs
Markers
Full size goal

Practice

X runs the ball across the area towards X1
X1 comes to meet X
Both players are marked by O and O1 respectively
When they meet, X has the option of continuing on with the ball or allowing X1 to take the ball from him
Space has been created on both sides by pulling the defenders together
The space must then be exploited by the X players with a shot at goal

Key Points

The player on the ball should keep it on the foot that is furthest from the defender thereby using his body as a screen.

Communication is essential. Both players must know who is going to take the ball.
As the players perform the cross-over, they must change pace and accelerate into the space that has been created.

Players must remain relaxed and composed in order to finish off the move with a shot on target.

Coaching Tips Navigation

A Basic introduction

Adding defenders: Switching play continued

Defending a throw in 1

Defending a throw in 2

Defending against a short corner 1

Defending against a short corner 2

Defending against a short corner 3

Defending against a short corner 4

Defending at a throw in

Developing the Reverse Pass

Extending control

In tight situations

Inside of the foot

Making Decisions 1

Making Decisions 2

Making Decisions 3

Making Decisions 4

Movement off the ball

Movement off the ball continued

Movement off the ball passing and moving

Movement off the ball switching play in defence

Playing Back to the Goal (turning)

Playing with Back to Goal 1

Playing with Back to Goal 2

Playing with Back to Goal 3

Playing with Back to Goal 4

Playing with Back to Goal 5

Running with the ball

Running with the ball central

Running with the ball changing pace

Running with the ball circuit training

Running with the ball close control

Running with the ball control

Running with the ball to score

Running with the ball to score continued

Switching play in attack around the penalty area continued

Switching play in attack around the penalty area continued

Switching play in defence progression

Switching play in the attacking third of the field

Switching play in the center field

Swivelling with the ball

The Short Corner 1

The Short Corner 2

The Short Corner 3

The Short Corner 4

The Short Corner 5

Turning and Finishing 1

Turning and Finishing 2

Turning and Finishing 3

Free kick - Dead Ball

A Basic Introduction

Improve Accuracy

Shooting from Distance

Exercises for passing with the inside of the foot 1

Exercises for passing with the inside of the foot 2

Further two against one practices

Kicking the ball 1

Kicking the ball 2

Passing for accuracy

Passing in tight areas

Passing in tight areas with a shot at goal

Passing on the run

Passing with place changing

Passing with varying distances

Playing against the touchline

Two players against one

Volleying the ball

Passing with opposition involved

A basic introduction

Control and movement

Dribbling and shooting

Early practices

Feinting and dribbling

Practices for individuals

Running with the ball

Turning and control

Turning and running with the ball

Turning and shooting on the turn

Turning practice for junior players

Against opposition

A basic introduction

Attack v defence

Conditioned games

Conditioned games - control

Going for accuracy

Heading for distance

Heading for goal

Practice for heading 2

Practice for heading 1

Progression - defence

Skilled touches

A basic introduction

Creating space 1 and 2

Creating space 3

Creating space 4

Creating space 5

Creating space 6

Creating space 7

Creating space 8

Creating space 9

Creating space for junior players 1

Creating space for junior players 2

Creating space for junior players 3

Creating Space for junior players 4

Cross over runs

Support behind the ball

A basic introduction

Support play - progression

Attributes needed for goalkeepers

A basic introduction

Catching high balls

Clearing the back pass 1

Clearing the back pass 2

Conditioned games for goalkeepers

Dealing with games for goalkeepers

Dealing with high balls

Dealing with kicked clearances

Diving - early stages

Finishing skills

Positional play

Progression on positional play

Punching one hand

Punching the ball

Sharpening practices

Throwing the ball

A basic introduction

A basic introduction

Basic practices at the throw in

Defending at a throw in - 1

Defending at a throw in - 2

Defending at a throw in - 3

Set Plays at a Throw in - attacking

Set Plays at a Throw in - attacking 2

Set Plays at a Throw in - attacking 3

Set Plays at a Throw in - attacking 4

The Long Throw - attacking

The Long Throw - defending

The Long Throw - attacking - with supporting players

The Throw in - 1

The Throw in - 2

The Throw in - 3

ATTACKING SET PLAYS

Attacking corners

A basic introduction

Possession football

DEFENDING SET PLAYS

Closing down space

A basic introduction

Corners to and beyond the far post

Corners to the edge of the penalty area

Forcing the play

Switching play in defence

The corner kick

Defending Free Kicks 4b

Defending Free Kicks 4a

Defending Long Free Kicks 3

Defending Long Free Kicks 2

Defending Long Free Kicks 1