Third-Man Combination
A scripted build-up: pass into the striker, set-back for the running third man, release the winger, low cross, far-post finish.
- 18 min
- 7–12 players
Drill · U15
Low Cross Arrival
A finisher arrives across the goal face to meet a low wide service travelling forwards rather than back from the byline.
- Duration
- 12 min
- Players
- 2–4 (ideal 2)
- Finishing
- Crossing
- Movement
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 2-player group is shown. A wide server starts above and short of the goal line; a finisher starts deeper and centrally. One flat marker identifies the meeting space across the face of a secured empty mini goal. One ball is active; nobody waits in or behind the target.
Coaching points
- Setup: A wide server starts above and short of the goal line; a finisher starts deeper and centrally. One flat marker identifies the meeting space across the face of a secured empty mini goal. One ball is active; nobody waits in or behind the target.
- Play: The finisher signals, begins the diagonal arrival and the server plays a comfortable low ground cross into the meeting space. The finisher settles if needed and directs a placed finish for one quality point. Service travels forward from the wide starting point, not backwards from the byline.
- Reset and rotation: Stop after one finish or an awkward service. Collect outside the route, exchange wide server and finisher and rest after three turns each. Mirror the service side after the rest; begin only with the target area empty.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 2 players. With up to 4, use a second complete group in a separate area. Odd spare players rest off the area and rotate into a playing role every 45 seconds; everyone has equal turns.
- Coach focus: The finisher should see both the ball and target while arriving. Match service to the runner’s reachable stride; a soft setting touch is better than forcing a stretched first-time strike.
- Safety: Ground cross only, no heading, volleys, goalkeeper, defender or diving. One arriving finisher and one active ball; the server stays outside the shot route. Secure the goal and stop before retrieval or unreachable service.
Equipment
- Ball · 2 per group, including a spare
- Flat Marker · 1 per group
- Mini Goal · 1 per group
- Flat Marker · 4 per group for field and zone corners, in addition to pictured markers
- Bib · 2 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier Pause the finisher at the arrival marker and use a slower ground service with a settling touch.
- Harder Let the finisher delay the start slightly and ask the server to adjust the ground release; keep the same single arrival and controlled pace.
