Near-Post Ambush

Teach strikers to time a near-post run off a low cross and finish first time, with a decoy defender to make the movement real.

Full goal and keeper. Wide server on each side at the corner of the box with balls. Striker starts at the PK spot with a mannequin or passive defender 2 yards in front. A second attacker waits at the edge of the box for rebounds.

1. The server drives forward with the ball toward the end line.
2. The striker checks away from the near post to drag the defender, then sprints across the defender's front to the near post.
3. The server delivers a low, hard cross to the near-post space between the six-yard line and the PK spot.
4. The striker finishes first time with the inside of the foot, redirecting rather than swinging. The edge player attacks any rebound.
5. Six reps from each side, then rotate. Score 2 for a first-time goal, 1 for a goal with two touches.

• Check away, then go: the defender must move before you do.
• Arrive as the ball is struck, not before.
• Redirect the ball; the cross has the pace.
• Across the front of the defender, never behind.

• The striker runs early and is waiting at the post, offside or marked; time the run off the server's head coming up.
• The striker swings at the ball and skies it; the finish is a firm redirect with the inside of the foot.
• Crosses are floated and the keeper claims them; low and hard between the six and the spot.

• Defender is live.
• Server chooses near post or cutback; the striker reads the server's body.
• Add a far-post runner so the server has two options.

• Server passes from a standing position.
• No defender.
• Striker allowed two touches.

• The cross must stay below knee height.