1v1 Crossing Defense | Fullback Development Session

Overview

• Fullbacks and outside backs
• Players who want to get better at stopping crosses
• Age groups working on 1v1 defending decisions
• Works for wingers and a wide range of players too

Objectives

• Sharpen wide defending and how your players shut down crosses
• Build the reads to make the right defensive decision in 1v1s
• Use body position and timing to cut off the attacker’s options
• Train quick decisions and fast reactions under pressure

Setup

A 1v1 defending drill where your fullback shuts down a winger’s cross out wide.

１）Set up a field roughly 40m x 40m.

２）Put one fullback and one winger in, with the rest of the players supporting.

３）The winger takes them on off the dribble and looks to whip in a cross to a target inside the penalty box.

４）The fullback reads the winger’s movement and either cuts out the cross or closes the body down to block the shot.

５）Play out each attack in 15–20 seconds, then run it back for several rounds.

６）Switch attack and defense so players see both sides of it.