1v1 Cross and Finish Game

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Step 1Step 1

Steps:

1. See the diagram for starting positions. The objective of this game is to work on creating scoring opportunities from a cross.
2. Each flank defender starts with the ball and passes to the attacker (#1). The attacker collects the ball and tries to beat the defender down line and past the cone (#2). The defender cannot defend past the cone. If the defender wins the ball or clears it out of bounds then the play is dead and players rotate. The attacker has to beat the defender quickly. If they take too long then the play is dead and players rotate.
3. Once the attacker beats the flank defender the forwards should initiate their near and far post runs for a cross (#3) and score. The box defender should choose either the near or far post run and stay with them so that the crosser must look up and make a decision on which post to cross to.
4. Communication from the forwards should help the crosser decide which post to cross to and increase the chances of scoring.
5. Both teams can attack at the same time and compete for most goals. Players rotate counter-clockwise. The flank defender becomes the box defender who then rests at the end of the line. Next in line becomes the attacker who becomes the far post then near post forward.

Setup:

• 12 or more players.
• Set of balls, 4 cones.
• 2 goals.

Variations:

• To add difficulty you can allow the flank defender to chase the attacker past the cones.
• Add more defenders and attackers in the box.

Tips:

• The attacker should use faints and fakes to disguise which direction he intends to attack. The attacker should also dribble with speed and use moves to unbalance the defender. 
• The defender must react quickly to close down the attacker and use good 1v1 defending techniques to dispossess the attacker.
• The attackers in the box must work together and make explosive runs to beat the defender. They should also communicate with the crosser to increase their chances of scoring.
• The box defender must see the ball and the run and work with the goalkeeper to limit scoring chances.