1. Scoring Opportunities
In order to score in soccer, the ball often needs to be played into the 18-yard box. Occasionally, players can score from outside the 18-yard box, but those opportunities are rare and shouldn't be relied on. An effective scoring opportunity comes when a player passes the ball from the sidelines toward the center of the field, called crossing the ball. This strategy often catches defenders out of position and doesn't give the goalie an opportunity to predict which player is taking the shot.
2. Kickin' It
The most effective crosses are played in the air. The player who crosses the ball either dribbles the ball up a sideline or receives a pass while running up the sideline. It's important that the player passes the ball before he or she gets trapped in the corner of the field. Crossing the ball from this angle is possible but difficult. When you cross the ball, plant your foot slightly behind the ball so you lean back when you strike it. This technique lifts the ball. If you can't see a specific teammate you're trying to get the ball to, pass the ball to the penalty spot so your teammates can run on to the ball.
3. Create the Chance
Crosses are typically played by midfielders as the forwards rush the goal. When the ball is being dribbled up the side of the field, the offense should always assume the ball is about to be played to the center of the field. It's important to run at a pace slower than the player carrying the ball so you can begin to sprint as soon as you see an opportunity to score. By running at the same pace, you allow the opposing team's defenders to mark you and decrease your chances of getting a shot off.
4. Standing Still
Corner kicks are crosses that are awarded after the opposing team plays the ball out of bounds through their own end line. Corner kicks allow the attacking team a certain level of control because a designated player can play the ball after taking time to set it up according to his or her preferences. Unlike crosses played during game play, the ball is still before it's passed during a corner kick. While a corner kick is always a scoring opportunity, it can be more difficult to score than when the ball is crossed during regular game play because defenders have time to organize.
5. Shoot and Score
Scoring off of cross doesn't need to be pretty. When the ball is crossing the 18-yard box use any part of your body other than your hands to direct the ball toward the goal. Many goals from crosses are scored with a header, but a ball bouncing into the goal off a knee has the same end result.
In order to score in soccer, the ball often needs to be played into the 18-yard box. Occasionally, players can score from outside the 18-yard box, but those opportunities are rare and shouldn't be relied on. An effective scoring opportunity comes when a player passes the ball from the sidelines toward the center of the field, called crossing the ball. This strategy often catches defenders out of position and doesn't give the goalie an opportunity to predict which player is taking the shot.
2. Kickin' It
The most effective crosses are played in the air. The player who crosses the ball either dribbles the ball up a sideline or receives a pass while running up the sideline. It's important that the player passes the ball before he or she gets trapped in the corner of the field. Crossing the ball from this angle is possible but difficult. When you cross the ball, plant your foot slightly behind the ball so you lean back when you strike it. This technique lifts the ball. If you can't see a specific teammate you're trying to get the ball to, pass the ball to the penalty spot so your teammates can run on to the ball.
3. Create the Chance
Crosses are typically played by midfielders as the forwards rush the goal. When the ball is being dribbled up the side of the field, the offense should always assume the ball is about to be played to the center of the field. It's important to run at a pace slower than the player carrying the ball so you can begin to sprint as soon as you see an opportunity to score. By running at the same pace, you allow the opposing team's defenders to mark you and decrease your chances of getting a shot off.
4. Standing Still
Corner kicks are crosses that are awarded after the opposing team plays the ball out of bounds through their own end line. Corner kicks allow the attacking team a certain level of control because a designated player can play the ball after taking time to set it up according to his or her preferences. Unlike crosses played during game play, the ball is still before it's passed during a corner kick. While a corner kick is always a scoring opportunity, it can be more difficult to score than when the ball is crossed during regular game play because defenders have time to organize.
5. Shoot and Score
Scoring off of cross doesn't need to be pretty. When the ball is crossing the 18-yard box use any part of your body other than your hands to direct the ball toward the goal. Many goals from crosses are scored with a header, but a ball bouncing into the goal off a knee has the same end result.
