Crossing and Finishing in Waves from Both Wings
Alternating waves from the right and left: the winger dribbles into the crossing zone while two finishers attack the near and far post against the goalkeeper.
Step 1Conducción por la derecha
1 / 4
El extremo derecho conduce hasta la zona de centro y los rematadores inician sus carreras.
Objective
Improve the quality of crosses delivered on the run and coordinate the timing of two finishers attacking the near post and the far post.
Organisation
Half pitch with goal and goalkeeper. A line of wingers with balls on each wing 30 m from the end line; two lines of finishers at the edge of the box. Crossing zone marked with cones 8-10 m from the end line. An optional passive defender inside the box. 12 balls, cones and bibs.
Development
- 1The right winger dribbles at speed down the wing into the crossing zone marked by cones.
- 2As the winger enters the zone, the two finishers start their runs: the first attacks the near post while the second holds and attacks the far post or the penalty spot.
- 3The winger delivers a driven or waist-high cross between the goalkeeper and the finishers.
- 4The finisher who receives finishes first time; the other reacts to any rebound.
- 5The wave from the left wing starts immediately with the same finishers or two new ones. Wingers collect the ball and swap wings every four actions.
Coaching points4
- Look up before the last touch to see where the finishers are arriving.
- Driven cross in front of the run, out of the goalkeeper's reach.
- Finishers cross their runs: one attacks the near post while the other holds to arrive at the far post.
- Finish with the inside of the foot or the head, steering the ball down towards the opposite post.
Common mistakes3
- Crossing too early and from too far out, giving the goalkeeper time to get set.
- Both finishers arriving in the same space and getting in each other's way.
- Finishers entering the box too early and meeting the ball standing still.
Variations3
- The winger plays a wall pass with a support player before crossing.
- Cut-back from the end line to the edge of the six-yard box.
- Finishers may not enter the box until the winger's final touch.
Progressions2
- Add an active defender in the box who contests the finish.
- Alternate crosses with the weaker foot on one of the wings.
Regressions2
- Cross from a stationary ball in the crossing zone to secure delivery quality.
- Work with a single finisher attacking the near post.
Tips
- Set a numerical target per wave (for example 5 goals out of 10) to keep the tempo.
- Ask the goalkeeper to call when coming for the cross so the finishers learn to read it.