The Far-Post Overload: Penalty Box Movement Play for Crosses

1. Overview

This set play, "The Far-Post Overload," is designed to create high-percentage scoring opportunities from wide positions by using intelligent, coordinated movement in the penalty box. The primary objective is to disorganize the defense by creating a numerical and spatial advantage at the far post, exploiting the space vacated by decoy runs. It is most effective when your team has established wide possession and is looking to deliver a quality cross into a dangerous area. By using a combination of decoy runs, delayed arrivals, and targeted crosses, this play turns a standard crossing scenario into a calculated, repeatable scoring pattern.

2. Setup

• Equipment: A full set of footballs, cones to mark starting positions (optional), and one full-size goal (100-110m x 64-75m pitch).
• Pitch Setup: The play is run from the final third, with the ball positioned on either the right or left wing, approximately 20-30 meters from the goal line.
• Player Positions: This play requires a minimum of 5 attacking players, typically:
  • #7 (Right Winger/Crosser): Positions wide with the ball.
  • #9 (Centre Forward): Starts near the penalty spot, acting as the primary decoy.
  • #10 (Striker): Begins at the far post, initially occupying the key space.
  • #8 (Central Attacking Midfielder): Starts centrally, at the edge of the penalty arc (approx. 18-20 yards out).
  • #11 (Left Winger): Positions on the weak-side, at the top corner of the penalty box.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

1. The Trigger: The play begins when the crosser (#7) takes a positive first touch infield. This is the visual cue for all attackers to initiate their movements.
2. Decoy Runs: As the crosser prepares to deliver, the #9 (Centre Forward) makes an aggressive, curved run towards the near post. Simultaneously, the #10 (Striker) makes a short, sharp movement away from the far post towards the penalty spot. These two runs are designed to draw defenders centrally and create a pocket of space at the back post.
3. The Late Arrival: The #8 (CAM), reading the movement ahead, begins a delayed, powerful run into the space now vacated at the far post. Their run should be timed to arrive just as the cross is delivered.
4. The Cross: The #7 delivers a high, arcing cross aimed specifically for the newly created zone at the far post, over the heads of the central defenders who have been drawn to the decoy runs.
5. The Finish: The arriving #8 meets the ball with a header or volley, aiming back across the goal. The #9 and #10 should now attack the six-yard box for any rebounds or deflections.
6. Weak-Side Support: The #11 (Left Winger) holds their position at the edge of the box, ready for any overhit crosses or to provide a cutback option.

4. Key Coaching Points

• Timing is Everything: The success of this play hinges on the synchronization of the runs. The late arrival of the #8 must be perfectly timed to exploit the space as it opens up. Drill the trigger movement repeatedly.
• Quality of Delivery: The crosser must have the technique to deliver the ball with the right pace and trajectory to the far-post zone. It's not just a hopeful ball; it's a targeted pass.
• Sell the Decoy: The runs from the #9 and #10 must be convincing. They need to be run at full pace to genuinely draw defenders and create the necessary space.
• Head Up, Read the Play: The #8 must keep their head up to read the developing situation. If the defense doesn't fall for the decoy, they may need to alter their run.
• Attack the Ball: The finishing player must be aggressive in attacking the cross. They should aim to make contact at the highest point possible.
• Communication: A simple call ("Now!", "Go!") from the crosser can initiate the sequence, ensuring everyone moves in unison.

5. Common Mistakes

• Early Runs: The most common error is the #8 starting their run too early, arriving in the space before the cross is delivered and allowing defenders to recover.
• Telegraphed Movement: Players making their runs without conviction, allowing defenders to easily read the play and hold their positions.
• Inaccurate Cross: The crosser aiming for the general penalty area instead of the specific far-post zone. This negates the entire purpose of the coordinated movement.
• Static Players: Forgetting the secondary roles. The #9 and #10 must follow up the play for rebounds, and the #11 must maintain their position for recycling possession.
• Watching the Ball: Players becoming spectators once their initial run is complete. All attackers must remain active and anticipate the second phase of play.

6. Variations & Progressions

• Variation 1: The Near-Post Flick-On: If defenses start over-compensating for the far-post attack, switch to a near-post delivery. The #9 attacks the near post as before, but this time the cross is a low, driven ball for them to flick on towards the #10, who is now attacking the penalty spot.

• Progression 1: Adding Defensive Pressure: Start with passive defenders (just cones or mannequins), then progress to live, active defenders to increase the realism and challenge the timing of the runs under pressure.
• Progression 2: The Cut-Back: If the defense drops deep to cover the far post, the crosser can shape to cross but instead drive towards the byline and play a hard, low cut-back pass to the #8, who has adjusted their run towards the penalty spot.

7. Age Adaptations

• Under 10/12: Simplify the play significantly. Use only one decoy runner (#9) and one late arriver (#8). Focus on the basic concept of one player creating space for another. Use a smaller pitch area and reduce the number of defenders.
• Under 14/16: Introduce the second decoy runner (#10) and begin to focus on the quality and timing of the cross. Emphasize the "why" behind each movement. The concept of "holding a run" can be introduced and coached more explicitly.
• Open Age/Professional: At this level, all elements of the play should be executed at high speed. Introduce tactical adjustments, such as the cut-back progression, and empower players to make decisions based on the defensive setup they face in real-time.