Overlap, Cross and Finish

How to run it

The full-back overlaps the winger and crosses, and two runners attack the near post and the penalty spot. Trains combination play on the flank, the quality of the cross and finishing runs.

Set-up

Half a pitch with a goalkeeper. On each flank a full-back and a winger. Two strikers centrally. Balls with the full-backs. Alternate between the left and the right side.

Instructions

1. 1Full-back and winger on each flank, two strikers centrally. Goalkeeper in goal.
2. 2The full-back passes into the winger, who comes to meet the ball.
3. 3The winger takes the ball inside and drags their defender along. The full-back starts the overlap.
4. 4Pass into the full-back's run down the line.
5. 5The full-back takes the ball towards the byline. The strikers prepare their runs.
6. 6Cross: one attacks the near post, the other arrives at the penalty spot.
7. 7First-time finish from the penalty spot.
8. 8Everyone goes back. Now the right side.
9. 9The full-back passes into the winger.
10. 10The winger comes inside, the full-back overlaps.
11. 11The pass into the overlap.
12. 12The full-back drives to the byline.
13. 13Cross between the goalkeeper and the back line.
14. 14Header on goal from the penalty spot.

Coaching points

• The overlap should start as the winger takes the ball inside – not later.
• Cross between the goalkeeper and the back line, ideally first time.
• The strikers shouldn't stand still: one runs to the near post, one arrives late at the spot.
• Head the ball down towards the ground.

Variations

Equipment

• 2 × Markers