Soccer Techniques; part 5

Soccer Techniques

Lauffer, Robert, and April Kater. Women's Soccer: Techniques, Tactics & Teamwork. Sterling Pub., 2001.

Crossing is a skill that the outside midfield needs to be familiar with because they are reliable most of the time for serving the ball inside the box. The three main targets for crossing are the near post, far post, and middle of the goal. These positions are the prime areas for scoring. 

Near Post 

(Lauffer, Kater 93)

• meet the ball at the 6 yard box
• come in at a 40 degree angle
• wait to the last possible second to sprint
• time your run

Middle of the Goal

(Lauffer, Kater 94)

• run in a bend
• time your run and wait to sprint
• aim for the penalty mark
• difficult cross because the goalie is present most of the time

Far Post

(Lauffer, Kater 94)

• be in position in correlation to the goalie
• keep your on the ball at all times
• most of the time will head or volley for a goal
• keep your front open 
• time your run