foot

C h a p t e r 4
Teaching Soccer Technique
Drills for Finishing Close Range Cross-Balls
Fundamental. There are two lines of servers, located where the penalty box meets
the endline. There are two lines of attackers, each line is located 5–10 yards outside
the penalty box and opposite a serving line. One server at a time plays the ball to an
attacker located diagonally from him or her. S1 serves to A2. A2 uses one-touch to
shoot the ball. The server may pass the ball on the ground, lofted in the air or driven
to the attacker. The players should rotate lines clockwise after each turn. Stress the
importance of placement and selection of the surface of the foot that is to be used.
(Fig. 4-35)
S 1
G
S2
A1 A2
A
Fig. 4-35.
Match-Related. There are two sets of servers (S1 and S2). There is a goalkeeper and
one defender located in the box. There are three lines of attackers located 5–7 yards
outside the penalty box. Two lines are located on the outside portions of the penalty
box. One line is located in the middle, opposite the goal. An attacker from each line
goes at the same time. The attacker in the line nearest the ball being served (A1) makes
a bending run toward the middle of the penalty box. The attacker in the middle line
(A2) makes a bending run toward the far post, and the attacker in the line farthest
from the ball (A3) runs to the near post.
The balls are served either one at a time, on the ground or in the air to the oncoming
attackers who attempt to score. Alternate the side of the field from where the ball is
served. Stress the importance of choosing the correct foot-surface and the placement of
the shot. (Fig. 4-36)
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