Crossing and Finishing Drill

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

Goals from crosses come down to two things: the quality of the delivery and the timing of the runs. This crossing and finishing drill gives U11–U16 teams high-volume reps of both. Five lines feed a constant cycle of wall passes, crosses, and attacking runs into the 18-yard box.

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

Setup

• Set five lines of players across the field, about 5 yards outside the penalty area.
• The two outside lines are the crossers; the middle three lines are the central attackers.
• Assign each middle line a target area: near post, back post, and the space in between.
• Put a goalkeeper in the goal and keep balls with the crossing lines.

How It Works

1. The first player in each crossing line steps out in front, facing the line - they become the passing player.
2. The next player in the crossing line passes into the passing player and receives a lay-off back.
3. The crosser then plays a ball past the passing player into the corner space, chases it, and delivers a cross.
4. The three middle players time their runs onto the cross, each attacking their assigned area, and finish.
5. The crosser becomes the new passing player, everyone rotates, and the next cross comes from the other side.

Coaching Points

• Crossers must open their hips toward the middle of the field on delivery.
• Runs are timed, not early - arriving as the ball comes in beats standing and waiting.
• Finishers should stay composed and redirect the ball past the keeper rather than swing at it.
• Keep the service varied: driven, lofted, near post, and pulled back.

Variations

• Play every ball one-touch, or ask crossers to drive every ball in low and hard.
• Add defenders in the middle to create real pressure on the runs.
• Demand a specific finish - headers only, or volleys only.