Finishing from Wide Crosses | Sharpen Movement and Decisions

Overview

• A wide player (winger) delivering the crosses
• Two forwards making runs into the box to attack the cross
• Two defenders protecting the goal, plus one midfielder recovering from behind

Objectives

• Build precision from the wide attack all the way to the finish
• Develop well-timed runs and sharp reads in front of goal
• Strengthen layered movement and communication with several players in the box
• Sharpen real-game decision-making against live defenders

Setup

Set up a 50m-wide by 30m-deep area and work the ball wide to create scoring chances in front of goal.

１）Play a pass out to the wide midfielder and get ready for the cross

２）As the cross comes in, the center forward and the inside forward (the player who didn’t play the first pass) run into the box

３）Two defenders plus the recovering midfielder react, and you’ve got a live 2v2

４）The attackers use movement and timing to create a chance and go for goal

５）Run several sets to build rhythm and sharpen decision-making