Play Like Sweden – Finish from Crosses
1. Finish From Crosses
Cross 1
- 2 lines of players with a ball each
- 2 plays a start on the pole
- A ½ is played around the pole
- The wide player crosses in to the player at the front of the opposite queue who looks to finish
- Crosser joins the queue
- Player who played wide becomes the crosser
- Same is repeated on the other side
Cross 2
- COMBINATION as played before
- The crosser now cuts the ball back to the same who combined with the wide player
- Same is repeated on the other side
COACH ENSURES ALL PLAYERS GET REPETITION AT ALL 4 POINTS
Key Tips
- Alter stride length when approaching the ball
- Eyes up to spot the most open position in the goal
- Strike with the back foot of the cross is in front/front foot if level or slightly behind
- Lean forwards, and connect with the middle of the ball
2. 6 Set Players
- Coach puts in place 6 set players
- 2 on the right/2 on the left (FB + WG)
- 2 centre backs
- The rest of the players take up a role in 2 queues facing the goal
PRACTICE 1
- 1 plays to 2 who sets it back for 1 to cross in one touch
- 3 and 4 time their runs to score from the cross
- The defenders look to clear / block / intercept the cross and score
- The practice is repeated on the other side
PRACTICE 2
- 1 plays to 2
- 2 runs with the ball along the goal line to commit the first defender
- 3 and 4 alter runs accordingly to finish from a cut back or a ball across the face of the goal
- Defenders look to block intercept/clear
Key Tips
- Attacks run towards the goal, then stop or drop off (this will move the defenders backwards)
- Finish with nearest foot to the ball
3. 4 Stations
- 4 stations numbered 1-4 (2 footballs at each station)
- 3 teams of equal numbers
- Blue = Crossers, Grey = Defenders, Yellow = Attackers
- The coach yells out a number (1-4) the player at the corner crosses the ball and looks to pick out an attacker
- Each attacking team get 8 balls to score from (1 point for a goal)
- When the ball leaves the playing area the ball is dropped
- Each team gets a turn at every role x 2
Key Tip
- Anticipate
- Be brave
- Select finish dependent on pace of delivery, above goalkeeper
- Create space
