Crossing and Finishing: Near Post, Far Post
A winger dribbles down the line and crosses while three attackers attack the near post, the far post and the edge of the six-yard box — then the penalty spot.
- Age
- U13–Senior
- Players
- 8–14
- Duration
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Area
- 34 × 44 m
- Type
- Technical
- Approach
- Intermediate
- Format
- Waves
- Objectives
- Technical: Crossing, Finishing
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:CrossingShootingHeading
- Tactical:Attacking the box
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Goalkeeper
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Dribble
- Ball
- Cone
- Goal
Most goals from crosses come from attackers who arrive at the right place at the right time. This drill teaches strikers to split up and attack three different zones, and teaches wingers to pick the right cross — driven to the near post, floated to the far post or pulled back. Alternate flanks so everyone crosses from both sides.
Objective
Improve the quality of crosses and the timing and positioning of runs into the box.
Organisation
- Full-size goal with goalkeeper, box marked.
- Wingers queue near the touchline on both flanks, 30 m from goal, with balls.
- Three attackers start 25 m out in the centre.
How it works
- The winger dribbles at speed down the line to the cone at the edge of the box.
- As the winger approaches the cone, the attackers make their runs: one to the near post, one to the far post, one to the penalty spot area.
- The winger crosses; attackers finish with one touch where possible.
- Next repetition from the opposite flank. Rotate attackers and wingers every 4 crosses.
Coaching points
- Winger: look up before crossing to see the runs; hit the cross early if the near post is open.
- Attackers: start your run late and fast — arrive, don't wait.
- Near-post runner attacks the front of the defender and the space in front of the goalkeeper.
- Far-post runner holds the run wide and attacks the ball with the chest facing the goal.
- Third runner stays deeper for cut-backs and loose balls.
Progressions
- Add two defenders in the box (3v2), then three (3v3).
- The winger must beat a defender 1v1 before crossing.
- Winger chooses: cross, cut-back or cut inside to shoot.
Regressions
- Winger crosses from a stationary ball.
- Only two runners (near and far post).
Variations
- Overlap: a full-back overlaps the winger and delivers the cross.
Key principles
- Attack separate zones.
- Timing over speed.
- Cross early when the space is there.
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