Fundamentals and How to cross the ball in Soccer
Crossing the ball into the penalty area is a very popular and dangerous form of attack in the game of soccer. A dangerous cross is a difficult thing for goalkeepers and defenders alike to deal with. Fullbacks and wingers produce the most crosses during the course of a game. However forwards and central midfielders can find themselves in wide positions after making overlapping runs. You should develop your crossing ability to produce assists for your team.
When to Cross
The timing of a cross is very important. Crossing too early can result in not enough numbers in the box to convert, and waiting too long can mean your runners straying offside, or more numbers recovering for the defensive team. Before delivering a cross you should always look up and see if teammates are in the penalty area. If you have targets deliver a ball quickly to the danger area. If you see no attackers in 19 yard area, or a mismatch favoring the defense it may be a good idea to dribble to the byline. This will allow you to penetrate the back line and also allow your teammates the ability to join you in attack.
The timing of your cross will also impact the defender covering you. Beating him to the byline to cross successfully could cause him to stand off allowing you extra room. If you put early crosses in with success, you could be pressured and have the defender dive in leaving him vulnerable to you dribbling to the byline.
Technique
When crossing you should always use proper technique;
- Standing foot next to ball.
- Contact ball with laces, toes pointing down.
- After the cross follow through pointing to intended target, you may have to swivel hips after contact to face target if running to byline and crossing.
- Contact ball below midline to lift off ground.
- Aim your cross into ‘corridor of uncertainty’, the area where it is too far for a keeper to come, but doubt exists whether defenders should deal with it. Typically this area is between the 6 yard box and the penalty spot.
Types of Cross
Different types of cross exist, and what you see before you cross impacts the most effective kind of delivery;
- Back post – Look at the position of the goalkeeper and defenders, as well as where your runners are. Ideally a runner should be coming from the opposite wing should you over hit the cross. This way a ball over everyone will result in a goal scoring chance for this winger.
- Near post – If you look up and see your teammate has beaten her defender on a near post run, hang a chipped ball up short for a flick on, or a header or volley on goal. You must ensure near post crosses do not allow the goalkeeper to catch the ball uncontested.
- Area cross – If you cannot see runners, or are unable to provide accuracy due to defensive pressure putting the ball into the penalty area will at least give your teammates a chance to win the ball and create a goal scoring opportunity. A low driven cross can also be dangerous, resulting in a deflected goal, or even an own goal.
- Cut back – When you reach the byline you may look up and see defenders and forwards cancelling each other out in a tight area in front of the goal. Use your peripheral vision as midfield runners may arrive late with defenders already occupied. In this case a cut back in front of the defenders for an excellent goal scoring opportunity. Designed using Coachfx
Click here to view the Cut Back PassACTION PLAN
- Practice your crossing from a range of areas on both sides of the penalty areas.
- Set your practice area by placing 6 markers, one at the left byline, one 7-10 yards out, and one 18 yards out. Repeat this on the other side of the penalty area.
- Cross 20 balls from each area, ideally with a friend in front of goal heading and volleying them on target.
- Begin your crossing practice with a stationary ball before progressing to crossing off the dribble. Add defensive pressure for game like situation.
