Heading after a cross with opposition
Crosses from both wings with two attackers hitting the near and far posts and one defender trying to clear. Works the timing of runs into the box, the jump and the direction of the header.
Step 1Centro
1 / 3
El 7 conduce a la línea de fondo y centra al área.
Objective
Coordinate the attackers' movements with the cross, win position against the defender and head downwards with direction.
Organisation
Goal with keeper. Two crossers with balls on each wing level with the edge of the box. Two attackers at the top of the box and a central defender in a bib. Lines of attackers and defenders rotating.
Development
- 1The right crosser takes two touches towards the byline and crosses between the penalty spot and the six-yard box.
- 2Both attackers start when the crosser lifts their head: one crosses to the near post, the other attacks the far post.
- 3The defender picks one attacker and tries to clear; the free attacker attacks the ball and heads downwards.
- 4After the action the left wing crosses with the same attackers and defender.
- 5Rotate every two crosses: attackers become defenders, defenders become crossers. Ten minutes per wing with crossers changing role.
Coaching points4
- Go late and fast: get away from the defender first, then attack the space of the cross.
- Jump off one leg and strike with the forehead, eyes open and neck firm.
- Head downwards near the post, where the keeper struggles most.
- Cross with pace, in front of the penalty spot and away from the keeper.
Common mistakes3
- Both attackers running to the same post.
- Waiting for the ball standing still instead of attacking it on the move.
- Lofted crosses to the middle of the box that the keeper claims easily.
Variations3
- First-time cross after a lay-off from an attacker.
- Two defenders against three attackers.
- Free finish: head or foot depending on the height of the cross.
Progressions2
- A full-back pressing the crosser.
- A third attacker arriving from deep.
Regressions2
- Cross thrown by hand by the coach.
- No defender for the first minutes.
Tips
- Protect the neck: few maximal repetitions with young players and well-inflated but not hard balls.
- Alternate wings with rhythm so the keeper deals with crosses from both sides.