Purpose: To practice quality strikes to near-post and far-post spaces.

Procedure: This drill becomes more specfic for the crosser, as a near-post space and a far-post space are marked on the field (in addition to the second six-yard box)  The coach may use cones or vests to make a visual representation of the general size and location of the respective spaces. The animation shows the relative location and size of the near- and far-post spaces. The far-post space is larger and located diagonally behind the near-post space (depth). The crosser will dribble the ball diagonally from the touchline cones toward the goal-line cone. As the crosser nears the goal line, he or she makes a long preparation prior to striking the cross. Attackers 1 and 2 make their runs and read the body language and position of the crosser to know when to arrive in their respective spaces. Timing of the runs is essential!

Coaching Points: The attackers must time their runs so that they arrive in the near- or far-post space at the same time as the ball. Split-second timing will give an attacker the advantage of being a step ahead of the defender. This exercise should be done from both flanks.

For drill animation, CLICK HERE.