Week 61 Finishing From Cutbacks

Instructions/Setup:

In this unopposed finishing practice, players focus on creating attacking moments that lead to a cutback delivery. The pattern begins with a short passing combination between central players, followed by a through ball into a wide runner. The wide player then drives toward the byline before cutting the ball back into the box. Multiple attackers time their runs to arrive in the box for a finish. The emphasis is on movement, timing, and quality of the final action.

Coaching Notes:

• Cutback Delivery – Encourage wide players to vary the angle and weight of their cutbacks. Deliveries should be pulled back into space behind defenders, allowing attackers to run onto the ball rather than waiting flat-footed.

• Timing of Runs – Attackers must stagger their runs — one near post, one central, one deeper — to attack different zones. Late runs are often the most effective for finishing cutbacks.

• Quality of Finish – Emphasize composure and technique when finishing from cutbacks. Players should stay over the ball, aim for corners, and finish with minimal touches when possible.

• Speed of Combination – The initial combination and through ball should be played with pace and precision to simulate real-game tempo and pressure.

Progression 1: Passive Defender Inside the Box

Add one or two passive defenders inside the box to introduce mild pressure. They can block cutback lanes but do not actively tackle.

Focus:

Encourages attackers to find better angles and timing to evade marking and increases the realism of decision-making under pressure.

Progression 2: Live Defender Closing Wide Player

Introduce a live defender who starts centrally and must recover to close the wide player delivering the cutback. Forces quicker execution of the cross and increased urgency from attackers in the box.

Focus:

Enhances decision-making for the crosser under pressure and demands sharper runs and finishes from the attacking players.