Crossing is how wide players turn possession into goal-scoring chances. A cross is a pass from a wide area into the penalty box for a teammate to finish. Learning how to cross a soccer ball well (with the right type, pace and timing) is one of the most valuable skills a winger or full-back can have.
This guide covers the different types of crosses, the technique step by step, where to aim, and crossing drills you can use with your team.
What Is a Cross in Soccer?
A cross is a ball played from the side of the field (usually near the touchline) into the area in front of goal. The goal of every cross is the same: pick out a teammate who is attacking the ball. The best crossers, like David Beckham and Kevin De Bruyne, don’t just “get the ball in the box”. They look up and deliver to a specific player or space.
Types of Crosses
1. The driven cross
Hit hard and low across the six-yard box. It’s difficult for defenders and goalkeepers to deal with, and a touch from an attacker is often enough to score.
2. The whipped (bent) cross
Struck with the inside of the foot to curl away from the goalkeeper and into the path of attackers, Beckham’s trademark.
3. The lofted cross
A higher ball, often to the back post, for a tall attacker to head home.
4. The cut-back
Played from near the goal line back toward the penalty spot. Defenders are facing their own goal, and attackers arrive facing it. It’s one of the highest-percentage chances in soccer.
5. The early cross
Delivered from deeper before the defense is set, catching defenders on the turn.
How to Cross a Soccer Ball: Step by Step
- Look up before you cross. Check where your attackers and the goalkeeper are.
- Create a yard of space. A feint or a touch away from the defender opens the crossing angle.
- Approach at an angle. Open your body so you can wrap your foot around the ball.
- Plant your standing foot beside the ball, pointing roughly where you want the cross to go.
- Strike the right part of the ball. Lower half and inside of the foot for a whipped cross; middle of the ball with the laces for a driven cross.
- Follow through toward your target to control height and direction.
Where to Aim Your Cross
- Near post: a fast, low ball for an attacker darting in front of the defender.
- Penalty spot: the “cut-back zone” for attackers arriving late.
- Back post: a higher ball beyond the goalkeeper for a header or volley.
- Between keeper and defenders: the “corridor of uncertainty”, where neither the keeper nor defenders want to commit.
Crossing Drills
Drill 1: Wide channel crossing (beginner)
Mark a channel down each side of the field. A winger dribbles down the channel and crosses to two attackers making near- and back-post runs. Rotate positions every 5 crosses.
Drill 2: Cut-back combination (intermediate)
A full-back overlaps the winger, receives, drives to the goal line and cuts back to an attacker arriving at the penalty spot.
Drill 3: Crossing under pressure (advanced)
Add a defender to the wide channel and two defenders in the box. Attackers score double for a first-time finish.
Common Crossing Mistakes
- Not looking up: crossing blindly into the box.
- Hitting the first defender: usually caused by not creating space first.
- Too much height: floating crosses are easy for keepers to claim.
- Poor timing: attackers and crosser must arrive at the same moment.
Learn from the best: try the David Beckham crossing drill, and see our right back training session for full-backs who love to get forward.
Crossing Tips for Full-Backs vs Wingers
Wingers usually cross after beating a defender 1v1 near the box, so they need quick feet and the ability to cross off either foot. Full-backs often cross from deeper after overlapping, which makes early, whipped crosses into the space behind the defense a great option. Both positions need to look up before crossing and recognise when a cut-back is better than a high ball.
Attacking the Cross: The Other Half of the Skill
A great cross needs great runs. Teach attackers to:
- Time their run so they arrive as the ball does, not wait for it.
- Split the box: one to the near post, one to the back post, one to the penalty spot.
- Make a movement away before attacking the space (a “check” run) to lose their marker.
- Attack the ball with intent, whether it’s a header, volley or tap-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective type of cross?
Low, driven crosses and cut-backs into the six-yard box and penalty spot area create some of the highest-quality chances.
Which part of the foot should I use to cross?
Mostly the inside of the foot for whipped crosses, and the laces or instep for driven crosses.
How can I practise crossing alone?
Use a wall or set targets (cones or pop-up goals) in the box, and practise delivering to near post, penalty spot and back post with both feet.
Coach it with your own team.
The Coerver Session Planner gives youth coaches ready-made practice sessions built on the Coerver method: fun, organized and packed with touches on the ball.
