Defending Crosses: Clear and Step Out
Three defenders and a goalkeeper defend crosses against three attackers. After every clearance, the line steps out together to the edge of the box.
- Age
- U15–Senior
- Players
- 10–14
- Duration
- 18 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Area
- 30 × 40 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Waves
- Objectives
- Technical: Crossing
- Tactical: Defensive organisation
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:Heading
- Tactical:MarkingCoverCompactness
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Goalkeeper
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Ball
- Cone
- Goal
Defending a cross has two parts: winning the first ball (clearing high, wide and far) and reorganising straight away. Stepping out after the clearance pushes the attackers offside or away from the second ball. Crossers deliver from both sides.
Objective
Clear crosses with height and distance and step out together after the clearance.
Organisation
- Penalty area with goal and goalkeeper. Crossers on both sides at the edge of the box. Three defenders, three attackers.
How it works
- The crosser delivers; attackers try to score.
- Defenders score a point for a clearance beyond the edge of the box, another if the line steps out to 16 m within 3 seconds.
- 6 crosses per side, then swap roles.
Coaching points
- Body between attacker and goal, eyes on the ball.
- Clear high, wide and far; head through the bottom half of the ball.
- After clearing: shout 'out!' and step up together.
Progressions
- A fourth attacker waits at the edge of the box for the second ball.
Regressions
- Crosses thrown by hand, slower.
Variations
- Add inswinging corners to the same rules.
Key principles
- Win the first ball, then step out.
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