Cutbacks & Finishing | Scoring off Wide Attacks

Overview

• Great for players who love getting in deep down the flanks
• Built around shooting decisions in and around the penalty box
• Trains your players to match crossing quality with the finisher’s timing

Objectives

• Build scoring patterns off wide play
• Sharpen quick decisions and finishing accuracy inside the box
• Link the build-up and the finish with several players involved
• Train split-second reads like one-touch finishes

Setup

A wide player receives the ball in a deep position near the sideline and drives a cutback into the area around the penalty box. A finisher times a run onto it and shoots.

1）Use the bottom half of the field (the attacking third by the goal)

2）Set up with a center back, a fullback, a shooter inside the box, and a keeper

3）Play the ball out wide from midfield and into the winger

4）The winger drives toward the sideline and plays a cutback into the penalty box

5）The shooter times the run and finishes — sometimes first time, sometimes with a touch to set it up

6）Rotate the wide player and the shooter, then run it again