Objective:

• To encourage young players to think more about using the width of the field.
• To develop crossing skills and to look to finish (or defend) attacks from the flanks.

Organization:

• This is the progression from the Mini-Mixed Bag.
• Mark in an area 36 (two penalty areas long) by 30 yards wide and then further extend the width with a 6-yard channel on either side.
• Don't be tempted to us the full width of the penalty box (44 yards) as this may be too wide at this age.
• Put in a half way line, but not in the channel.
• Play 2 Attackers vs. 1 Defender and a goalkeeper in each half.
• There are two neutral "crossers" of the ball - one on each flank.
• Keep a supply of balls in each net.
• Goalkeeper at one end starts by throwing the ball out to one of the "crossers" (wingers).
• The wingers play a cross in towards the goal.
• If the defenders or the goalkeeper gets the ball they play out to one of the two wingers and the attack goes the other way.
• Rotate all players at intervals through all positions.
• Use the offside law to prevent attackers standing in front of the goalkeeper.
• If possible, organize three teams of 4 (see Progressions for "How to Organize").

Teaching:

• Encourage an accurate thrown ball from the keeper to the winger.
• Wingers should aim to cross the ball towards the far post with a hard driven pass.
• The wingers should also aim the ball to split the difference with the cross in between the defender and the goalkeeper.
• Attackers should go away from the crosser and then come in fast as the ball is played in (see Corner Shot).
• Defender and goalkeeper have to work well together as the defender cannot man-mark two attackers.
• Goalkeeper should take charge and organize the defenders.

Target:

• To generate a good, fun practice, but don't forget to keep the score.