Combination Crossing Drill

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

This soccer crossing drill chains a dummy, a one-touch layoff, a first-time cross, and timed runs to the near and far post into one flowing pattern. It's built for U12-U16 teams ready to get comfortable attacking crosses inside the 18 - demanding, fast, and hugely satisfying once the rhythm clicks.

Find similar exercises in our crossing drills collection or filter by age with drills for U14 teams.

Setup

• Split the team into 4 even groups.
• Two groups form lines on the end line, about 5 yards outside each goal post.
• The other two groups form lines about 30 yards from goal, mirroring the end-line groups. The balls start in these top lines.
• Place 2 poles (sticks) around the 18-yard box, spaced the width of the goal and level with it, plus one pole near each sideline.

How It Works

1. Two players from one end-line group check toward the ball, staying about 5-7 yards apart.
2. The top player passes firmly into the front checking player, then sprints around the sideline pole nearest them.
3. The front checker dummies the pass - stepping over the ball and letting it run through their legs - then sprints around the back pole and bends a run to the far post.
4. The back checker plays a first-time ball into the space outside the wide pole, then wraps around the nearest pole and attacks the near post.
5. The wide player (who started the move) crosses first time into the box for the two runners to finish.
6. Rotate: far-post runner goes to the top line, back checker becomes front checker, and the crosser joins the end-line group. Repeat the pattern on the other side of the goal, alternating.

Coaching Points

• Match the cross to the situation: crosses from tighter angles go firm and on the ground into the runner; crosses from wide get driven with pace.
• Keep passes and finishes one-touch wherever possible.
• Time the runs - arriving in the box too early is as bad as too late.
• The far-post runner must let nothing run through; the near-post runner cuts sharply across the front.
• Demand clean finishing technique and every ball on target.

Variations

• Add a goalkeeper once the pattern is clean, so finishes face real opposition.
• Add a recovering defender in the box to contest the crosses.
• Let the crosser choose near or far post so runners must read the serve.