CONTROL SHOOTING PASSING DRIBBLING TURNING HEADING CREATE SPACE INDIVIDUAL DEFENDING SUPPORT PLAY GOALKEEPING CROSSING TACKLING THE THROW IN ATTACKING SET PLAYS DEFENDING SET PLAYS THE FREE KICK

CROSSING

Please select a subsection from the topics below :

A basic introduction

A BASIC INTRODUCTION

One of the most effective passes in football is the 'accurate cross' delivered early behind the defence. It is normally delivered from a wide position, outside the line of the 18- yard box, and from an area anywhere between 'just inside the attacking third' to 'in line with the 6-yard box.'
There are three elements to consider when crossing the ball:

Observation

space available
position of goalkeeper
position of defenders
position of strikers

Decision

early cross or dribble
which area to hit
which technique to use

Execution

cross to the back of the defence
keep the ball away from the goalkeeper
cross below head height
cross with paceThe type of cross that is delivered into the danger area depends on which technique is used.

Technique – Swerve pass using the inside of the foot

non-kicking foot should be slightly behind, and to the side of the ball
strike the outside of the ball with the inside of the foot
follow through away from the body
keep the head steady, eyes looking at the ball at the moment of contact
body position, slightly forward (this keeps the ball low)

Practice 1

Organisation
Area Attacking - 1/3 of pitch
Player s- 1 Goalkeeper
1 Defender
1 Crosser
2 Strikers
Equipment - 1 Goal- Footballs- Bibs
Markers (mark out a 2nd six-yard box)

Winger X runs the ball forward and then delivers a cross into the danger area without having to go past marker M. Strikers X1 and X2 attempt to connect with the cross and score.