Gafferbook
Defending ยท U11 to adult

Centre-backs: defend the cross

Two centre-backs pass with a server, then the ball goes wide and they have to drop, get their shape and deal with the cross. Teaches the footwork and positions that stop goals from crosses.

U11 to adultAges
4 to 8 plus a keeperPlayers
Penalty area and wide channelArea
15 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

โž• Put it in tonight's session๐Ÿ—“ Build my season around itโœ๏ธ Make my own version

Set-up

  • Two centre-backs facing a server 25 m from goal; a crosser on each wing; keeper in goal.
  • Add one or two attackers once it's flowing.

Equipment: Goal, cones, balls

How it works

  1. Server and centre-backs pass a few times.
  2. Server plays wide: centre-backs turn, drop to the six-yard box line and set up near post and middle.
  3. Crosser delivers; defenders clear wide and high, then step out. Alternate sides.

Coaching points

  • Drop fast, side-on, so you can see ball and goal.
  • Near-post defender attacks the first ball; the other covers behind.
  • Clear high, wide and far. Then step out together.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Crosser serves by hand

Make it harder

  • Two attackers making near and far post runs

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

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