Crossing

[Ryan RichParticipant]

Recently on Twitter, Gary posted an article exposing the inefficiencies of crossing in the modern game. However, it seems like the Attacking Patterns revolve around getting crosses into the middle from a wide player.

I am by no means knocking the patterns; however, I’ve noticed my team having relatively low success from the crosses. I’ve started to ask the player who cross to play a low driven pass to the near post or a cut back to penalty spot. I put the far post options as the last option if the first two arent on.  I find these crosses/passes are much more frequently available and effective.

Thoughts from others?

 

 

[GaryKeymaster]

Hi Ryan

Here are my initial thoughts, and we can refine as we go.
The article analyzes the goal-scoring effectiveness at the pro level.

Now, if we want to assess its validity at the youth level that’s a tough one.

Aside from there being no data available, there’s a tremendous variation of factors that exist in the youth game.

For example, having a man-child up top in a U10 game and just launching it to him might be more effective than doing these attacking patterns out wide. However, at the top U18 level, my anecdotal experience tells me the opposite is true.

I’m of course taking two extremes – U10 & U18 – just hoping to make the point. Because I think that line of thinking is what we need here.

Age and level of play…

Absolutely though, come up with variations that you think suit your team (I like yours) … it’s the training of the possession framework the matters most. And establishing patterns out wide are the easiest, and hence the starting point.

Hope that makes some sense. 🙂

Here’s the reference for others:
http://online.wsj.com/articles/are-outdated-soccer-tactics-a-cross-to-bear-keeping-possession-is-the-way-to-goal-1402007011#

• This reply was modified 10 years, 5 months ago by  Gary.

[Justin BoatmanParticipant]

When I run my attacking patterns I have my Wingers REALLY wide so that when we play a through ball between the CB and OB, the Wingers are making diagonal runs and are headed more towards the back post instead straight towards the byline…..it makes for a much shorter “cross”. From there they can pick out a player and play a ball along the ground towards the near post, the 6 or PK spot.

It makes for much easier finishing, especially if you coach younger girls, because most girls do not finish balls coming in through the air very well.

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