Crossing and finishing from wide channels

Setup

1. A goalkeeper in goal. Mark a 10 m wide channel down each side of the box.
2. A midfielder with the balls 30 m out in the middle; a winger in one channel.
3. Two strikers wait 20 m out; one defender in the box.

How it runs

1. The midfielder passes into the channel; the winger takes it in stride and drives toward the byline.
2. The winger crosses early, low and hard, between the goalkeeper and the defender.
3. One striker attacks the near post, the other the far post, and both try to finish first time.
4. Rotate roles after each wave. Switch the winger to the other channel every 5 goes.

Coaching points

• Winger, look up before you cross; aim for space, not a player.
• Cross with the laces or inside of the foot, through the side of the ball.
• Strikers, curve your runs so you arrive facing goal.
• Near post attacks the front of the defender; far post holds back and arrives late.

Common mistakes

• The winger takes too many touches and lets the defender get set.
• Both strikers run to the same post.
• Strikers arriving too early and standing still waiting for the ball.