Blind Side Run and Cross
Off-Ball Movement
Legend
- players
- opponents or partner
- ball
- core action
How it works
Make a timed blind-side run across a defender to attack a cross from the wing.
What you need
- cones
- soccer ball
- scrimmage vests
- goals
Your focus
Blind-side movement , attacking from an angle a defender cannot see , is one of the most effective off-ball techniques in modern soccer. Repetitive practice of the exact timing and angle builds the movement intelligence that leads to headed and close-range goals.
Set up with a winger on the right flank with the ball; two forwards and a center back in the box.
One forward makes a decoy run to near post.
Second forward makes a blind-side run from behind the center back to the far post.
Winger crosses when the blind-side runner's run creates separation.
Blind-side runner attacks the cross and finishes.
8 reps from each side; switch wingers and runners.
Goal
You're there when you arrive at the back post a step before the cross, not waiting for it standing still, not chasing it from behind.
Helpful cues
- Start your run from behind the defender, use their blind spot
- Run across them, not around them, take the shortest route to the ball
- Time the run to arrive when the ball does, not before, not after
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Passive defender, they don't actively track the runner.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Two active defenders; runner must beat both with movement before receiving.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.