Wide Defending Drill: Deny Crosses and Set-Backs

-September 12, 2025

This wide defending drill recreates the classic right-flank pattern that often catches many adult amateur teams off guard: a winger drives to the byline while a supporting attacker lurks in the half-space, ready for a cut-back. Using three clear channels (Wide with a Crossing Zone, Half-Space with a Set-Back Zone, and Centre with a Finish Zone), it forces realistic choices for both sides.

Setup

Field Design: On the right flank, mark a rectangle 22–26 m long attacking toward the byline. Split the area into three vertical channels with flat discs or cones: a Wide Channel (6–8 m) that hugs the touchline, an In-Between Channel (6–8 m) just inside it, and a Centre Channel (10–12 m) aligned with the goal. Mark the last 5–7 m of the Wide Channel as the Crossing Zone. In the In-Between Channel, mark a Set-Back Zone roughly 4×5 m just outside the box; in the Centre Channel, mark a Finish Zone of similar size near the goal. Have a look at the drill illustration if in doubt.

Team Setup: Run a live 2v2 with rapid rotations. The winger A1 starts in the Wide Channel, ~2 m from the sideline and about 10 m before the Crossing Zone. The fullback D1 begins in the In-Between channel, ~8 m from the sideline, 1–2 m ahead of A1 and 1.5–2 m away. The support A2 begins in the In-Between channel 2–3 m ahead of A1, in the square before the Set-Back zone. The cover D2 closely marks A2, who is ready either to step onto the Set-back Zone or track into the Finizh Zone. The coach serves from the start line, and play is live for 8–12 seconds per rep.

Equipment

Flat discs/cones to mark the zones
1 mini-goal
6–8 match balls
Bibs in two colours
(Optional) An actual football field to use real field marks as reference

Instructions

This is a decision-making game: the winger must reach the Crossing Zone; the support reads pressure and chooses box run or set-back; the defenders must delay, angle, and communicate to remove the most dangerous option. Refer to the illustration to understand the instructions below:

The coach plays to A1, who drives forward in the Wide Channel.
D1 delays and uses the line as an extra defender.
A2 holds in the In-Between zone and reads A1’s progress while D2 positions to influence both the box run and the set-back.
A1 must enter the Crossing Zone before delivering a cross (no early floaters).
A2 chooses to attack the Finish Zone in the Centre Channel for a one-touch finish or check into the Set-Back Zone to receive and shoot at the goal.
D1 protects the inside lane to block set-backs or crosses to the Finish Zone.
D2 communicates and decides: step to kill the set-back or track the box run.
Attacking team points: 2 pts for scoring from the Finish Zone; 1 pt for an on-target shot from the Set-Back Zone.
Defending points: 2 pts for blocking the cross or intercepting the set-back, and controlling the ball; 1 pt for sending or forcing the ball out of play.

Run 3–4 reps, then rotate roles and switch the drill to the left flank. With 8–12 players, work in quick blocks to keep intensity high and learning focused.

Key Benefits and Takeaways

Use the Touchline: Fullbacks learn to angle their body and defend “outside-in,” removing the set-back lane.
Deny Cut-Backs: The covering defender’s step vs. track decision is rehearsed repeatedly.
Game-Real Choice for Attackers: Support learns to read pressure—box run vs. set-back.
Clear, Coachable Roles: A1 pressures the Crossing Zone; A2 times the movement; D1 delays; D2 communicates and covers.
Scalable & Realistic: Easy add-ons—overlapping third attacker, late recovering midfielder, or GK—to raise complexity without losing clarity.

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Pablo Matamoros

I am a software engineer with 25+ years of experience across diverse industries. I've climbed the corporate leader over the years, which has some benefits but means I moved away from my love for tinkering with technology. So, I build the odd website or application to keep learning and stay in touch with technology. FootballTechniques allows me to combine my programming knowledge with my passion for football.

To find out more about my professional experience, visit PabloMatamoros.com