If you can’t find part one, follow the link : http://prosoccerway.com/2011/10/03/danger-from-the-wings-the-art-of-crossing/
- The second situation is when the defenders are running toward their goal but they had time to close the space between them and the goalkeeper. This situation often comes when the ”winger” who is crossing the ball is deep in the field, very close to the goal line. Now, crossing the ball on a parallel will in 99 % of the time lead to a clean clearing of the defender. Obviously, the ball is coming his way, he doesn’t need to turn nor is he putting his own goal in danger. So, how do we put some pressure in this situation? Well, first thing you need to do is to give a strong rotating effect to the ball, making sure that the ball is ”running away” from the defender. Doing this you considerably lower the chances of the defender to react when in the meantime, your attackers and midfielders are coming with full power on the ball (sprint and jump forward). The timing of the runs is essential here. Your offensive players must wait until you begin your cross to start with their sprint. Doing so they will come with full speed with the ball in front of them. Second thing, you must aim the cross in the area between the penalty mark and the goal area. This is an ideal position for the strikers to finish the job. The tall central defenders will not be able to make an intervention and the goal is still pretty close allowing an easy shot. The third thing that is powerful in this situation is the cross to the 2nd post. A high ball, flying over the first defenders and leaving the full backs alone to defend when your forwards can surprise them in their back. Below you’ll find a goal scored by David Villa showing a cross ”flying away” from the defenders…
- The third and last situation is when the defence is inside the box and static. Now, that is quite a problem for the offensive team because the defenders don’t have problems to go towards the ball anymore. They can make one or two steps in front of them an get power to jump or clear the ball better. The cross can’t bring surprises anymore because, in all cases, the ball will come in an area where the defenders can react (and the space between them is shortened). Here, it all comes down to two things : the quality of the crosser and the quality of the forwards. The cross must be strong but not to high (high=time to react). The attacker must anticipate and cut the ball while he is moving, making the run even if he’s not sure where the ball will land. The only solution to get an advantage from the defender is to be in a movement while he is STATIC. Below, you’ll see that with Beckham and Raul, even this problem can be solved…
In a future article, I will present some drills that will help you improve your crossing skills…
