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Crossing

Soccer (Individual Skills) / Popular

Whipped, driven and cut-back crosses from wide areas.

What coaches agree on

  • Look up and read what the defenders and your attackers are doing before you strike, then choose the type of cross and target that fits what you see.
  • Wrap your foot around and across the outside of the ball on the follow-through - that is what puts the whip and curve on the ball.
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  • Aim for the pocket of space between the six-yard box and the penalty spot, between the keeper and the back line, rather than a specific player's feet.

Common mistakes

  • Floating a lofted or second-post cross too high, which gives the keeper time to come off his line and claim it.
  • Hesitating or taking extra touches before crossing instead of striking in one fluid motion, which gives recovering defenders time to close you down.