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Objective of the Practice:
This practice is designed to improve the quality of aerial crossing.
Field Preparation:
 Half Field. Large group of players. Balls. Cones. Colored bibs.
Coaching Points:
An area is marked out approximately 30 yards by 30 yards. A smaller grid of 10 yards by 10 yards is positioned in the center of the marked area. Three teams (or more) of players are divided into pairs and placed within this grid. Each team is allocated a number 1, 2 and 3 etc and wear different color vests. The goalkeepers are placed in goal. An equal supply of balls is positioned at each corner of the marked area.
The practice starts with all the players jogging slowly around the inner grid. The coach calls out a number 1, 2 or 3. One of the pair who's number is called immediately runs to any group of balls positioned in the corners. With a minimum amount of touches he must cross the ball for his partner to score a goal. Immediately after crossing and shooting the ball, both players run back to the inner grid and start jogging again. The coach then calls out the next number.
Keep record of goals scored. First team to score five goals wins.
The coach should emphasize the following coaching points:
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Be alert at all time to listen for your number when called.
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The crossing player should vary crosses e.g. bent cross, near post, far post.
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The attacking player should time his runs correctly making sure he arrives the same time as the cross and not before.
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Both players should make aggressive runs to simulate match conditions.
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Be determined to score if you are the attacker.
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Goalkeeper should intercept crosses when possible.
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Coach can place a condition on the type of finish e.g. must be struck first time, a volley or a header.
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