Soccer Crossing Methods

So what does soccer crossing a ball actually means? Well, it means simply performing a long pass either on the ground or in the air. A well performed cross is a great weapon both in offense and defense.

But, as with many other soccer skills you will need to practice on your crossing regularly in order to use it successfully during your games. In this article you will learn different styles of crossing and in which situations you should use them. Now, let’s look at the first one…

Out-Swinging Cross - This cross is the most common one and is often used while playing as left or right winger. While playing on the flank you will often need to use this type of cross in order to serve your forwards with quality passes.

The In-swinging cross - This cross is usually executed in combination with the Cruyff move which means pretending that you will kick the ball with one foot but fake a kick and, turn back and perform the cross with the other. These crosses are great to execute near your opponents 18 yard box. If you want to learn more about the Cruyff move check out our soccer moves guide

Chipped Cross - In order to perform this cross you will need to have good control on the ball. However, it is hard to execute a good chip cross when the ball is rolling fast on the ground. It is therefore a good practice to either stop the ball or drive it slowly forward before chipping it. The chipped cross is great in situations when you are alone with the goalkeeper or as a quick pass in offensive.

Summary
To learn different crosses properly you will need to spend a lot of time on the soccer pitch. But, it is important to keep in mind that you will not become a good soccer player by only learning different methods for crossing.

If you plan to become professional you will need to learn many other things (besides crossing). However, if you practice regularly and live like a true soccer player (includes eating right, resting enough, preparing well and so on) you will have a good chance to succeed. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there, and start to practice! :-)