Master Half-Space Attacks | Crossing & Finishing Drill

Overview

• Run it 9v0 on a half-field
• Everything kicks off with a deep pass from the fullback
• The wide player who receives either drives the ball forward into the half-space on the half-turn or sets up the cross off a cutback
• Multiple runners attack both the near and far post to turn crosses into goals
• You’re training timing and split-second decisions in the box at the same time

Objectives

• Make switching your eyes from wide to central a habit
• Sync up crossing accuracy with the movement of the runners
• Speed up that one-beat read right before the finish
• Build the attacking fullback’s positioning into your players
• Rep out the wide-to-goal patterns you see over and over in real games

Setup

Your players work the whole attack: use the depth out wide and hunt goals off crosses from the half-space.

１）The fullback (red side) starts on the ball deep in a wide area

２）The wide player receives, moves the ball forward, and chooses to either dribble into the half-space or play a cutback

３）On the cross, they aim for the height and pace that lets them hit both the near and far runner

４）Support runners attack from both the near and far post to finish the cross

５）Once it’s finished, switch which side has the ball