Game version
Cross-and-finish game: a partner crosses low to the near or far post and you time the run and finish. Two pairs play, each tracking its own goals.
Near-Post and Far-Post Runs
Time your run to meet a low cross at the near post or the far post.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth soccer coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Your partner dribbles down the wing and plays a low cross.
Core: A low cross. Beat your own best.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 15 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Soccer ball, goal, partner, 4 cones
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Shooting
The steps
How it works
- Your partner dribbles down the wing and plays a low cross.
- Start outside the box and arrive as the ball does.
- Finish first time with the inside of your foot.
- Do 8 runs to each post and swap roles.
Coaching point
Arrive late, finish early.
Safety: Make sure no one is standing in front of the goal or the wall before you strike.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Levels: Less (a rolled cross), Core (a low cross), More (call the post before the cross). Beat your own best.
Story
You are a surfer timing the wave: you arrive at the post just as the cross does.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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