Cross and Finish Under Pressure

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

Cross and Finish Under Pressure recreates the game's real crossing picture: a winger racing a recovering defender to the ball, and a striker finishing with a marker on their back. Every repetition includes a live chase, so this soccer crossing drill also delivers a serious fitness load. Built for U12-U16 teams ready for match-speed work.

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

Setup

• Use the attacking third of the field with a full-size goal and a goalkeeper.
• Set four cones near midfield: attacker 1 central, defender 2 beside them, winger 3 wide, and defender 4 near the winger.
• Split the team evenly among the four cones.
• Stack a large supply of balls at attacker 1's cone.

How It Works

1. Player 1 drives a firm pass into the corner of the field for player 3 to chase.
2. The moment player 3 leaves, player 4 sprints after them, trying to prevent the cross.
3. At the same time, player 2 tracks player 1 into the box to defend the cross.
4. Player 3 reaches the ball, takes a preparation touch, and crosses to player 1, who tries to finish past the goalkeeper under pressure.
5. Rotate positions so every player attacks and defends from all four spots.

Coaching Points

• Attackers: hit the corner pass firmly so it carries deep toward the end line.
• Wingers: one quick prep touch, then deliver - hesitation lets the defender arrive.
• Strikers: time the run to arrive with the cross, not before it.
• Defenders: sprint to close the crosser while claiming the inside position.
• Defenders: track runners goal-side, and clear any won ball high and wide.

Variations

• Alternate crosses from the left and right wings.
• Add a second attacker at the back post for a 2v2 finish.
• Score the duel: attackers get a point per goal, defenders per clearance or denied cross.