One group acts as ball retrievers, another as four defenders and the third as two attackers and two crossers. The drill begins when the ball crosses from one of the wingers into the penalty area away from the goaltender. The four defenders are responsible for clearing the ball out of the penalty area before it touches the ground. If the cross touches the ground or does not make it out of the penalty area in the air, the attackers can gather the ball and put a shot on net. If the cross is cleared correctly, the ball retrievers gather the ball and give it back to the wingers, who then serve up another cross from the opposite wing.
Key points Get to the ball before it hits the ground.
If the cross is not cleared, quickly challenge the attackers and do not let them get a shot on goal. After the ball is cleared do not stand still. Push up and try to pull the attackers offsides. Chaka Daley leads our team of experts . Inc. All rights reserved.