8v8 + 3, Defending Crosses

8v8 + 3, Defending Crosses  

Objective: Improve the ability to defend crosses. 

Organization: On a half field with two large goals create two attacking zones of about 25 yards, with a center zone of about 6 yards. On the side of each attacking zones have two zones for the wingers.   

One of the midfielders passes the ball to a winger and joins the two forwards in front of the goal.  At the moment of the pass from the midfielder, one defender steps up to the winger to defend the cross. In front of the goal, a 3v2+GK is created. The defenders plus the goalkeeper work together to stop the attackers from scoring. 

When the defenders win the ball, they pass it in to one of the midfielders, who opens to a winger on the other side. 

When the ball goes out of bounds, the game starts again with a pass from the midfielders. 

With less players, use less midfielders or only use one flank in the activity. Winger switches side every couple minutes.  

 

Variation: 

  • When the attackers win the ball back from the defenders, they are allowed to play the ball back to a midfielder who can shoot and score from distance. 
  • Add an extra defender to make it an 8v8 game and 3v3 in front of the goal. 
  • With less players, use less midfielders or only use one flank in the activity. Winger switches side every couple minutes.  

 

Focus Points

Defending 

Defender who runs out to block the cross:

  • Sprint out, try to get as close as possible to the attacker.
  • Try to avoid the cross/pass between the goalkeeper and the defenders.
  • Don't jump up top avoid being cut out, no unnecessary sliding tackles.
  • Force the attacker to where you want them to go. Use the sideline and endline as a teammate. 

Defenders in front of the goal:

  • Pick a mark and stay with your mark. No switching. Everyone is responsible  for their direct opponent.
  • Be aware of surroundings: do not get blocked or surprised by runs of the opponent.
  • Stay between the attacker and the goalkeeper. 
  • Stand open, use arms to feel the opponent and to use them in the 1v1 battle.
  • Don't let the opponent head freely.  Always make contact and try unbalance the attacker. 
  • Jump on time. Don't give the opponent a chance to get above you.
  • Block the attacker at the moment the goalkeeper comes for the ball. 

 

Attacking

  • Midfielder; pass the ball in the run of the winger.
  • Winger with space: take a larger first touch to create speed and use the space.
  • Winger without space: first touch must make it possible to cross the ball quickly.
  • Cross must be low and hard. Possibly pass it back between the 6 yard line and the penalty spot.
  • Winger must look for eye contact with attackers just before crossing the ball.
  • When a cross is not possible, cut the ball back and cross the ball with the other foot. 
  • Players in front of the goal must judge when the cross is coming; don't be too early. 
  • Vary speed when running to the goal; from calm to powerful explosion. 
  • Start in the back of the defender.  
  • Block a defender to help your teammate. 
  • Attackers should end up at first post, second post and PK spot. Don't run up in one line. 
  • The player on the other half can join in to possibly take the second ball.   
  • When the ball passes you, immediately get ready for the next ball/situation. 
  • When the winger cuts the ball back, immediately take up a new position for the in-swinger. 
  • Score

Transition:

  • After winning the ball, the defenders must look and play to the midfielders as quickly as possible. 
  • After losing the ball, the attackers try to win the ball back as quickly as possible.