Defending the Cross

Develop defending crosses: attacking the ball first, defensive heading for distance, and marking runners in the box.

Goal and keeper, crossers on both wings, two defenders against two attackers in the box.

1. A winger crosses into the box from alternating sides.
2. Defenders attack the ball and clear with height and distance.
3. Attackers try to get on the end of it and score.
4. Reset and cross from the other side; rotate roles.

• Attack the ball — meet it at the highest point, don't wait for it.
• Head through the bottom of the ball for height and distance.
• See your man and the ball; don't ball-watch.
• Clear it wide and high, away from the danger zone.

• Defenders ball-watch and lose their marker at the back post — touch-tight checks: man, ball, man, ball.
• Clearances go up the middle and invite a second wave — clear high, wide and long.
• Defenders mark space when the runner attacks it — track the runner through the zone.

• Add a third attacker.
• Live from open play, not just set crosses.
• Reward defenders for clearing beyond a line.

• Floated, easier crosses.
• 2v1 in the defenders' favour.
• No attackers — just defend and clear.

• Headed clearances must beat the edge of the box.