Session drill · 24 seconds
Far Post, Near Post
A crossing and finishing exercise with four lines of attackers and a feeder. All four lines release on the feeder's first touch and the feeder plays out to one of the flanks. That player dribbles to the line and whips a cross across the six-yard box, while the two central players attack the near post and the far post and the other flank fills the space between them. Everyone is hunting a first-time finish; if you cannot finish a header, head it back across to the other post. Serve from both flanks so the attackers get worked both ways, and rotate clockwise after each go so everybody crosses, finishes and feeds. The timing is the whole point: start your run as the crosser takes the last touch before crossing, so you arrive with the ball rather than standing waiting for it.
Instructions
- Four lines around the top of the box, two wide and two central, with a feeder and a ball supply behind them
- All four lines release on the feeder's first touch, and the feeder plays out to a flank
- The flank player dribbles to the line and crosses; look up and pick near or far post first
- The two central players attack the near and far posts, the other flank fills the space between
- Finish first time, and rotate clockwise after each go
Variation
- Serve from the other flank so players attack it both ways. Add a defender or two to make the runs and the timing harder. Condition it to headers only, or to two-touch finishes. Keep score, with a point for a near-post finish, a far-post finish, or a header back across that is scored.
Building lineups in seconds
Set your team sheet, plan your substitutions, and share it with the parents before you leave the car park.
