Combination Play with Crossing and Finishing

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

This crossing and finishing drill packs a full attacking move into one repeatable pattern: a short build-up, a ball released into the corner, and two forwards arriving at the posts on time. For U12–U16 teams, it connects combination play in central areas with genuine wide service - the way real goals get built.

Want more? See all our soccer crossing drills or jump to U14 soccer drills for this age group.

Setup

• Use the attacking third of the field with a full-size goal.
• Plant a training stick on each sideline, about 5 yards infield and level with the top of the penalty area - crossers must run around these to guarantee width.
• Set a cone 10 yards from each stick toward midfield; this is the wide (crossing) player's start point.
• Mark a grid 15 yards wide and 10 yards deep, sitting 12–15 yards outside the penalty area; its cones are the start points for the combination players.
• Stock a large supply of balls just outside the grid on the midfield side.

How It Works

1. Player 1 starts with the ball and passes into Player 2, who lays it off toward Player 3.
2. After the lay-off, Player 2 curls around behind Player 3 and makes a back-post run.
3. Player 3 plays a firm pass into the corner, into the space ahead of Player 4, then runs around Player 2's cone and times a front-post run.
4. Player 4 sprints around the outside of the training stick toward the corner, takes one preparation touch, and crosses into the arriving forwards.
5. The two forwards work together to finish. The first two players move up to the next grid positions, and the pattern repeats on the other side for crosses with the opposite foot.

Coaching Points

• Every pass in the build-up must be clean and crisp - one sloppy touch kills the timing.
• Runs to the posts should be timed to arrive with the cross, never waiting in the box.
• The crosser's preparation touch sets up the service; coach it as carefully as the cross itself.
• Deliver crosses into the path of the runners, not to a spot.
• Insist on movement patterns first at walking pace, then at full speed.

Variations

• Play the entire build-up one-touch.
• Give the crosser two touches unless the pass's pace lets them cross first time.
• Add a goalkeeper - and later a recovering defender - to make the finishing realistic.