Soccer drill to get players cutting across a defender

Attacker and chasing defender stand 4-5 metres outside the “D”, with the attacker standing at a wider angle than the defender, who has their back to goal. The coach passes the ball toward the goal, and the attacker and defender sprint toward it. The attacker must beat the defender to the ball and cut across before shooting. Vary the angle and weight of pass so the attacker can practise running across the defender both with the ball and before gaining possession. Develop the drill Increase the pressure by having the defender face the goal but starting on one knee to allow the attacker a slight advantage in order that they can get in front and practise the skill. Finally, remove all conditions on the defender, although the pass should still slightly favour the attacker. Using half a soccer (football) pitch, mark two lines across the width, one approx 20 yards away from goal and the second about 40 yards out. Play 4v3 in this zone, and have a keeper in goal. Play begins when the server passes the ball to one of the attackers, who must try to release a teammate from the central zone for a shot on goal. Once a through pass has been made only the nearest of the three defenders can leave the central zone and give chase.