Finishing Around the Penalty Box | Cross & Finish

Overview

• Players who want to learn how to score around the penalty box
• Teams that put in accurate crosses from the flanks
• Teams that have their GK play and outside back play dialed in
• Teams that get a lot of shooting chances in games

Objectives

• Build quick reactions and sharp decision-making inside the box
• Master a few different finishing techniques off crosses (volley, header, instep)
• Learn to read space and get into the best position
• Put away more of the chances you get in games

Setup

In this drill you work in units of three, hammering cross-and-finish reps around the penalty box so your players lock in scoring patterns inside it.

1）Set up a grid about 40m wide and 30m long, and clearly mark out the penalty box (40m wide, 16.5m deep)

2）Start with one flank player, two forwards, and a GK (three attackers positioned around the box)

3）The flank player drives at goal down either side and finishes by whipping a cross toward the back of the box

4）The two forwards react fast and finish on frame with a volley, header, or instep shot

5）Once the shot’s done, swap in the next three. Everyone gets a turn in each position