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ShootingIntermediate

Crossing & Finishing

Wide players deliver crosses for attackers to finish with headers or volleys. Builds movement and finishing from crosses.

15 min
4–10 players
Goal, Goalkeeper, 6–8 balls, 4 cones

Objective

Develop the ability to attack crosses and finish with a header or volley from wide deliveries.

Crossing & Finishing youth soccer drill demonstration

Visual Concept

GKWSCrossCrossing & FinishingWinger crosses — striker finishes

Top-down diagram — Shooting drill layout

Setup

Full-size goal with goalkeeper. Wide player (crosser) starts on the flank 20 yards from goal. Two attackers start on the edge of the penalty area.

How to Run It

1

Near and far post runs

Attacker 1 makes a near-post run, Attacker 2 makes a far-post run as the crosser receives the ball.

2

Deliver the cross

Crosser dribbles to the byline and whips a cross into the box — low and hard, or lofted to the far post.

3

Attack the ball

Attackers time their runs to meet the cross — head or volley on target.

4

Rotate roles

Rotate crosser and attackers after every 3 crosses.

Coaching Cues

Attackers: time your run — arrive as the ball arrives, not before

Attack the ball — don't wait for it to come to you

Near-post runner: get in front of the defender

Far-post runner: arrive late with pace — hardest for keepers to deal with

Variations

  • Add a defender in the box
  • Crosser must deliver within 3 touches
  • Award bonus points for headed goals

Equipment Needed

  • Goal
  • Goalkeeper
  • 6–8 balls
  • 4 cones

Shop This Drill

Pop-Up Soccer Goals (2-pack)Coach Favorite

Set up in seconds. Perfect for small-sided games and shooting practice.

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Size 4 Soccer BallU9–U12

Standard for U9–U12. Great for skill development and drill work.

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Training Cones (50-pack)Most Popular

Classic tall cones for slalom drills, grids, and field marking.

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Tags

crossingheadingmovementU10
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