// group · intermediate · 20 min

📐 Wide-Cross 3v2

Attack only from wide entries — crosses or cut-backs.

group 20 min passing

20:00

remaining

Duration presets

Steps

Attack only from wide entries — ball must enter the wide channel before a shot.
Crosses or cut-backs to a central runner; no central dribble finishes.
Defenders protect the central zone; rotate the wide player each attack.

Make it easier or harder

Easier: Remove defenders initially — pure crossing and finishing reps — then add one defender at a time. Try: 2v2 Wide Switch.

Harder: Add a third defender or restrict strikers to one touch, increasing the demand for precise runs and delivery. Next: 4v4 Wide Channels.

// more about this drill

Why this drill matters

Wide crossing situations are among the most frequent scoring opportunities in real matches. This drill isolates the delivery-and-finish moment: the wide attacker must deliver an accurate cross, two strikers must attack the box intelligently (near-post vs. far-post runs), and defenders must track runners while managing the threat of the ball. Repeated quality reps build the muscle memory and communication that make crosses dangerous.

What you'll need

Multiple balls (at least 5)
Cones to mark wide channels and penalty area
Full-size goal with goalkeeper
5 players: 1 wide attacker, 2 strikers, 2 central defenders
Disc cones to mark crossing zones

Coaching points

Winger timing: deliver the cross when you can see both strikers making their runs — early crosses that arrive before runners are wasted.
Near-post striker: attack the 6-yard box with a diagonal run from outside the penalty area, timing the arrival with the cross.
Far-post striker: hold the run slightly longer, arriving at the far post at pace — these goals are often tap-ins from 6 yards.
First-time finishes are the priority — players who kill the ball and take extra touches give defenders time to close.
Defenders: one takes the near-post threat, one covers the far post — don't both chase the ball to the near post.

Common mistakes

Winger crosses too early before strikers' runs develop — delivery is ahead of the runners and easily dealt with.
Both strikers attack the same zone (near post or far post) — runs must be staggered to cover the width of the box.
Poor cross quality (too hard, too close to goalkeeper) — winger should aim for the 6-yard box corridor, away from the keeper.
Strikers stopping their run when they think the cross is mistimed — maintain the run and adjust.
Defenders ball-watching — they must maintain awareness of their runner while tracking the ball's flight.

When to use this drill

Integrate into attacking shape sessions, pre-game preparation for opponents who defend wide, or as a finishing drill near the end of training. Combine with 3v2 central drills to give players experience of different attack types in the same session.

Frequently asked questions

What if the winger keeps overrunning the ball?

Set a clear crossing zone (a strip of cones) — the winger must deliver from inside the zone, forcing them to prepare the cross earlier.

Should crosses always be first-time?

Not strictly — occasionally allowing a look-up improves decision making. But emphasize that 90% of match crosses should be delivered quickly.

How do we practice both left and right-footed crossing?

Run reps from both wings in the same session, or rotate the winger role to include players from both flanks.

What's a good cross target?

The corridor between the 6-yard box and the penalty spot, delivered with pace and bend away from the goalkeeper.