Crossing session: get free, beat your man and finish
Football session focused on crossing: get free, beat your man and finish. A game, a drill and a final game, with session sheets, video and animated diagram.
SÉANCE PAR THÈME
10/23/20253 min read
Introduction to crossing training
Crossing training is an essential method for developing players' game skills. This type of training focuses on techniques specifically designed to improve a player's ability to get free, draw opponents and position himself optimally to pass and finish. By developing these skills, players increase not only their individual effectiveness but also their contribution to the team's success.
The ability to get free is crucial in a match. Players must learn to use their body and tactical intelligence to escape defensive pressure. In a crossing session, practical drills help players understand how to create space and anticipate the movements of teammates and opponents. As a result, they become better at making quick, informed decisions on the pitch.
Drawing opponents is another key objective of this approach. It means not only attracting a defender's attention but also manipulating his position to open up passing options. By strengthening this skill, players can create favourable situations and increase their chances of success in attacking phases.
Finally, positioning yourself correctly to pass and finish is a fundamental skill. Understanding angles allows players to find themselves in ideal positions to take part in successful attacks.
Game 1: introduction to the theme
The pitch is the full width and the length of 2 penalty areas, so quick play forward or out wide. There's no obligation to go through the support players (yellow) to cross and score, but players will favour this option because of the low density of players across the width, with the chance to score more points for a goal from a cross.
The crossers can't be tackled and are confined to their zones: their only job is to cross. Ground passes are compulsory, except for the crossers.
Drill: crossing and finishing
A two-part technical drill: both actions lead to a cross, the first along the ground and the second in the air. The 2 teams compete, of course: score from 1 cross ＝ 1 pt, score from both crosses and you get 3 points. It's a directive approach, so you stay focused and strict on how the skills are performed.
Game 2: putting the session into practice
End-of-session game where you put into practice everything seen during the session. Unlike the first game, we remove the crossers but keep and enlarge the crossing zone. This wide zone can only be entered from a pass; inside it you can't be tackled, but your touches are limited. Players don't have to go through the wide zones to cross.
The 3 activities as animated diagrams
🎧 Watch in English: on YouTube, click ⚙️ Settings › Audio track › English. You can also turn on English subtitles in ⚙️ Settings › Subtitles.