Overlap and Cross

Setup

• Use one half of the pitch with a goal and keeper.
• A winger with the ball near the touchline, a full-back behind them, a striker in the middle and one defender marking the winger.

How it works

1. The winger dribbles inside toward the defender.
2. The full-back makes an overlapping run outside the winger at full speed.
3. The winger releases the ball into the full-back's path down the line.
4. The full-back crosses early, while the striker attacks the space in front of goal.
5. Striker finishes. Swap sides so everyone crosses with both feet.

Coaching points

• Drive inside to pull the defender with you and open the outside lane.
• Overlap at full speed and call for it.
• Cross into the space between the keeper and defenders, not to the keeper.

Progressions

• Add a second defender to mark the striker.
• Winger can choose: release the overlap or cut inside and shoot.
• Add a second runner to the far post.