low driven cross

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The low driven cross is very effective and is often very difficult for the defense to read when struck right. The low driven cross is extremely effective when the pitch is moist as the ball will zip across the pitch.

There are a couple of ways you can cross low, you can use a whip with the inside of your foot to keep it low and a drive with the laces to keep it low.

You can use the low cross in any situation, for example when the defensive line is high and you see a gap between keeper and defense, when the defensive line is set and there’s space in front or even if you just kept it low along the ground, mistakes can lead to the ball falling in a dangerous position and sometimes deflect towards goal.

Let’s take you through the steps:

Step 1

Practice both with the ball still & rolling.

  • If you don’t have someone to cross to, setup a zone/target
  • If the ball is still take 4-5 steps back, if the ball is rolling you’ll need to push the ball diagonally out of your feet so you can use the full technique.
  • You want your standing leg close to the ball if rolling, a little further away if still.

Step 2

  • Pull your leg back, keep your body tensed for power and swing through to meet the ball with the inside of your foot, aiming to wrap your foot around the ball to get the whip.
  • Make sure your hips are either slightly facing or fully facing where you want the ball to go when connecting.
  • Your planting foot can be pointed towards your target.
  • Have your arms extended for balancing. Your opposite arm to your kicking leg can be up higher.

You’ll need to connect with the ball in this area.

Step 3

  • You can either follow through and whip your leg upwards so your knee finishes high, which will give more topspin.
  • If you’re facing your target, whip outside the line of the ball.
  • Or you should bring your leg back across your body when following through if you’re not fully facing your target.

Avoid connecting with the ball too low. This will make the ball go higher.