Cross and Convert
Your child dribbles flat out down a wing and whips an early cross into a target across the pitch.
At a glance
- Lay 5 markers in a line as the wing. Make a target (a small net, or two markers a big step apart) across the pitch at the far end.
- Your child dribbles flat out down the markers, then whips a cross into the target without slowing down to strike it.
- Count the crosses that land in the target out of five. Then set it up the other way round for the other wing.
- Progress 1: You chase from 2 big steps behind. They have to cross before you catch up.
- Progress 2: Same chase, and your child crosses with the practice foot only.
If it's not working: Jog down the wing and stop the ball before crossing it.
- your child
- dribble
- pass
- 1in this order
A line of 5 markers makes the wing, with a small net or two markers as the target across the pitch. The child dribbles flat out down the line and whips an early cross into the target. Count the crosses that land in it.
Full details: set up, how to play, tips
Set up
- Lay 5 markers in a line as the wing.
- Make a target across the pitch at the far end, with a small net or two markers a big step apart.
A flat patch of garden or park about 12 big steps long and 10 wide.
How to play
- Your child dribbles flat out down the line of markers, like racing a full-back.
- They whip an early cross into the target, without slowing down before they strike it.
- Count the crosses that land in the target out of five. Then set it up the other way round for the other wing.
Make it easier
- Jog down the wing and stop the ball before crossing it.
- Move the target closer, about 5 big steps from where they cross.
Make it harder, step by step
- You chase from 2 big steps behind. They have to cross before you catch up.
- Same chase, and your child crosses with the practice foot only.
- Count their best run of crosses on target in a row, on each wing.
Three things to say
- Plant foot pointing at the target.
- A clean, early delivery.
Colts habit
Work hard: little and often beats one long go.
Both feet
Do a round with the practice foot only.
Heads up
Look up between touches.
Safety: Pick a clear, flat space, look out for traffic and hazards, and stop if anything hurts. Soft ball indoors.
My best
Crosses on target out of 5, on each wing. Last time and this time. Only ever compared with their own earlier go, never with anyone else's. Saved on this device only.