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Attacking from Crosses

Student’s Name

Institution Affiliation

Course Name: Course Code

Instructor’s Name

Paper Due Date

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What is Tactic and Strategy in football

Tactics and strategies of football are interesting to fans and scholars because it is a

confrontational activity based on a combination of sophisticated operations and breakthroughs.

This is a system-of-systems sport in which players modify them in order to gain a win. Every

player works according to a generalized plan set for him in advance based on certain game

possibilities. In football, winning is based on the environment, timely reactions, and strategy to

overcome the opponent's forces.

As highlighted in the literature, strategies are the general, endurable plans and ploys that

the players employ, teams, and coaches to gain a competitive edge over opponents (Bahri and

Amiq, 2019). These decisional choices are strategic at the tactical level and are implemented

during the match play in conditions of bounded rationality and deciding upon many factors such

as the position of the players in the field, the team formation, and the ebb and flow of match

play. Strategies are the methods teams employ to accomplish their overarching objectives,

whether in defence or offense.

Tactics, however, are the general and long-term goals and the specific actions that the

teams and the coaches devise to increase their chances of a win. Tactics are a subset of strategies

as they incorporate ways and means of the working model, including player selection and

development and modifications during the match. However, the critics note that such approaches

will only risk the processes of agility and innovation on the football pitch since the essence of

football is quite fluid. Adaptability and the ability to respond as the game unfolds are as

important or even more crucial than detailed plans, which are called for in the context of the

sport due to the dynamic and rapidly changing environment (Li and Zeng, 2021). The flexibility
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of thinking and problem-solving at the time of functioning is the key factor that allows teams to

perform well in football.

Findings of Tactical and Strategic Approach

Using the concepts of flank or wing in football is invaluable since it prescribes how best

to attack your opponent. Stockport County was able to do that effectively by using the available

space and width of the pitch to get into good attacking positions and unsettle the defensive

formation of the opposing team. Wide attackers, including fullbacks and wide midfielders,

brought width and depth to the team's attacking play, including crosses, backs, and overlaps that

can unlock a defense. This strategy is helpful in the making of clear opportunities to score

(Guimarães et al., 2021). The study's findings on the 2024 UEFA Champions League showed

that 21% of goals originated from crosses (UEFA, 2024). However, wide attacking play may

make opponents defend a wider area of their half of the pitch, which frees up space in the middle

of the park for other attacking players like center forwards or midfielders.

Nevertheless, this approach depends on factors like the quality and movement of the

crossing attackers, the team's capability to retain and dictate the pace of the game, and the

tactical formation and discipline of the defending team. As postulated by Mara et al. (2012),

success in attacking through these wide areas will be pegged on the set tactical plan and the

prowess of players on the field. According to the UEFA Europa League report analysis, 23% of

open-play crosses ended in a shot, while 4% led to a shot immediately (UEFA, 2024). This is

why Stockport resorted to a wing-play strategy affair, which raises the likelihood of scoring

goals.

Unlike wing play, the quality of the crosses is critical to the method's success. Looking at

Stockport's play, we can observe that it has not been very successful in this aspect. UEFA report
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stated that getting the ball in the opposition net instead of on the post or across the face of the

goal is a matter of inches. UEFA stated that a cutback cross would lead to a shot 40 percent of

the time, and based on Stockport's team play, this type of cross was rarely utilized. However,

Mitrotasios et al. (2022) and Yamada and Hayashi (2015) also pointed out that exact crosses,

such as successfully lofted, driven, or cutback crosses, increase the number of goal-scoring

opportunities in the match. It was evident that the undertakings of effective wide attackers

include the aspect of crossing; the weight, pace, and trajectory with which the crosses were made

were crucial in creating effective crosses into the penalty area. These observations explain how

cross-precision played a crucial role in the successful idea of Stockport.

Besides the strategic positioning of the attacking players in the box, as has been described

above, there is a need for the smooth tactical arrangement and interplay of the players in this area

of the field in order to score effectively from these crosses. During the cross, the attackers have

to choose their moment to burst forward, guess when the ball will be crossed, and get to the right

place at the right time to finish it. The UEFA Europa League Report (2024) indicates that it is

very important for the attacking players to position and make good decisions and to have a good

read of their teammates' movements to utilize the spaces created during the wide attacks

effectively. According to Gonzalez-Rodenas et al. (2016), such movements lead to confusion and

camouflage for the defenders, and the attackers can take advantage of them. Consequently,

unpredictability is another area in which Stockport has no choice but to underperform.

The UEFA EURO 2024 has indicated that loading up the penalty area with four to five

attackers creates shot opportunities. It also raises the likelihood of achieving a shot creation by

26% (UEFA, 2024). A case of players' superior positioning demonstrated in the application of
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the crossing strategy in Stockport was the way other good scoring positions were invented during

matches. If done effectively, such strategies can significantly enhance their capacity to strike.

Performance Observation and Analysis

The analysis of the crossing techniques in Stockport showed that several aspects need

further enhancement. When the player with the number 14 attacks, he will hold the fullback in a

1v1 situation. This creates space for an overlapping run from another Stockport player. This, in

turn, first forms a favorable 2v1 scenario (Appendix 1). However, the ball-carrying player is

reduced to a limited decision-maker in the match, with the defender shadowing the player and

easily converting it into a 2v2 match (Appendix 2). According to the UEFA European Women's

U19 Championship report, the organization found that using wide areas to attack is an effective

way to overcome a well-compacting defense line to create chances (UEFA, 2024). This

underlines the importance of decision-making when there is little time to make that decision.

Awareness of space within the field of play is crucial in the outcome of wing-based plays

for the team. This can be seen when a Stockport player with the ball did not use the space created

by the other players (Appendix 2). Lack of movement and poor adjustment in passing led to a

mere attack as the defense line could not be penetrated. EURO 2024 demonstrated that the

positioning of attackers when it comes to crosses enhances the chances of scoring goals and

success in shooting (UEFA, 2024). According to Sgrò et al. (2016), the training activities that

focus on spatial orientation could facilitate the identification of the gaps. Thus, by developing

these skills, players can bring much value to the attacking processes of the team.

Wherever Stockport players had a numerical advantage during overlaps, they failed to

exploit it. For instance, in the penalty area of Stockport, the first man took on a one-to-one

combat with a defender while another man lurked behind Newport's number 9, who could not
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see him. In this scenario, the importance of overloads during attacks is seen (Goes et al., 2020).

Greater efficiency in practice routines that stress coordinated movements when more players

than defenders can be especially helpful in producing more goals. These enhancements will

enable Stockport to exploit numerical strength best during the game due to the foregoing

matches.

The technical efficiency of crosses suffers from fluctuation in execution, which

significantly affects the quality of the match. For instance, a cross aimed at the penalty area was

overheaded during a certain event, thus missing a goal opportunity (Appendix 4). Rather, a cross

aimed at a far post player who lacked any marker would have been more ideal. Mitrotasios et al.

(2019) emphasize the need to consider body positioning and choice of cross types. Therefore,

Stockport requires more drills to execute the crosses' precision and frequency.

Misjudging the weight and direction of crosses appeared to blight the Stockport players,

particularly when attempting to react during high-pressure situations (Appendix 4). One can

observe that ineffective crosses in critical areas remain an issue. Teoldo et al. (2021) identify that

this can distinguish effective wing play from passing play. Introducing elements of more practice

sessions about passes and time tracking could improve the performance of players when it comes

to the delivery of accurate crosses at crucial moments. Concentrating on such tactics would go a

long way in enhancing Stockport's attacking plays, especially during those highly sensitive plays.

Thus, the article has established that spatial intelligence is important in perceiving

defenses before planning an attack. An example of an off-target cross due to poor spatial

consideration can be considered the analogy supporting Sgrò et al.'s (2016) claim about spatial

intelligence. Introducing spatial management exercises into training may also be useful in
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developing judgment and decision-making about cross-execution. Improved spatial awareness

facilitates more efficient attacking and incisive crosses and entries into the attack area.

Another strategy of Stockport in their attack plays is whereby players need to change

positions or make movements in a specific manner. On many occasions, the player in possession

is ideally positioned to deliver crosses, but the decisions made most of the time result in wasted

opportunities. Moreover, Fernandez-Navarro et al. (2019) propose that a flexible tactical

approach might open opportunities for players to move on the field as attackers. Perception and

understanding of players' mobility, the ability to change movements, and space management

could increase goal-scoring probability. Integrating these approaches into practice will help

Stockport achieve the highest match-scoring results.

Another common concern in Stockport's performance is cross-weight at certain times

(Appendix 7). The decision to play a wrong cross, in several instances, eliminated possible goal-

scoring opportunities. Clemente and Lourenço (2014) also supported the idea that cross-weight

training must be performed to guarantee the appropriate position of crosses. Implementing these

drills in training should correct Stockport's problem of poor crosses and improve their attack.

Increased cross-weight will enable Stockport players to develop better game-shot-making.

The overlapping runs are important to stretch the defence; player number 14 can do that.

However, Stockport has been unable to capitalize on these runs to create further scoring

opportunities, which have been a major letdown. Stockport players must adequately enhance

their awareness of when to capitalize on defence disorganization during attack plans. An

improved approach towards applying the far post player presents the possibility of enhanced goal

scoring (Appendix 2). This unmarked position is important in turning opportunities into goals.

Decoy runs can also work wonders in that they have a way of attracting defenders' attention and
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leaving gaps (Appendix 10). Stockport can, in effect, implement the strategies mentioned above

to enhance their ability to attack during matches.

Justification and Coaching Methodology

Crossing Technique Development

Training starts with precision-directed crossing exercises with mannequins as the cones/

shields (Appendix 8). This is because the players perform mock actions and do not take the

pressure like during a real match; they just perform controlled positioning, accurate crosses, and

timing. Clemente et al. (2014) focus on body alignment and cross-type as key technical abilities.

This setup mimics match situations and allows the players to learn basic skills that they have to

apply in dynamic situations in the future. This supports UEFA Champions League work that

targeted crosses led to shots in 42% of cases (UEFA 2024). It is confident that these technical

skills enable players to advance to the next challenging drills.

First practice utilizes crossing accuracy, ball control, and different finishing techniques

that may occur during a game. Preventive, lofted, driven, and cutback crosses are performed to

increase the players' flexibility concerning the variety of match scenarios. Through practice,

players also change the body position to facilitate good stances and successful cross performace

execution (Clemente et al., 2014). The analysis of the 2024 UEFA Europa Conference League

demonstrates that defenders tend to press when the opposing team is performing crosses and

there is a need to work under pressure since Open-play crosses result in a shot about 25% of the

time, while cut-backs are successful 42% of the time. The earlier emphasis on accuracy creates a

base for learning under defensive pressures. This technical base enables players to produce as

frequently as possible under competitive match conditions. The basic aspects of gameplay ensure

that the players are well-equipped to handle the complexities and challenges of professional play.
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Progressive Complexity with Game-Related Scenarios

Professional football such as stockpots game develop technical ability in terms of more

realistic and game-related tactics, making the players more flexible. The extended channel 9v9

setups encourage decision-making in wide areas (Appendix 9). These technical skills are

congruent with the UEFA European Women's U19 Championship Technical Report (2024) for

width penetrating the organized defence. All these scenarios encourage creativity, which is

important in responding to changes in the defensive alignments. Players perform crossing under

approximate pressure, thus developing the tactical flexibility (Teoldo et al., 2021). Moreover, it

is not only several aspects of a player’s game that will benefit from the more extensive learning

and application of improved tactics in dynamic match scenarios but will also help in the

development of individual personalities.

Progressive drills employ the 1v1 and 2v1 situations that involve much decision-making

during the actual game processes. For example, in overlaps, similar to overloads, the players

learn how to make crossing decisions based on defenders' positions. During these reactions,

interactive experiences of defence mechanisms enhance the players' utilization of technical skills.

Gonzalez-Rodenas et al. (2016) points out that timely decision-making is helpful in

environments of tight matches and is certainly essential for success. These drills help inculcate

flexibility, which is vital during competitions for a team. From the UEFA Europa Conference

League report, it is found that 81% of effective crosses are possible when a team is low on

defensive blocks, hence calling for crossing drills (UEFA, 2024). They help players become

more perceptive in recognizing spaces in the schemes set up by the opposing team and take

advantage of them.

Strategic Phase of Play practice

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Formation in full-phase drills includes 3-4-2 against 4-3-1 practice reinforces tactical

cohesion and prepares players for real match situations where crosses play a crucial role in

creating scoring opportunities. Using defence and midfield as the opposition, players develop

coordinated movements with better timing to construct attacking plays (Mitrotasios et al., 2019).

According to the UEFA Europa League Technical Report (2024) the shot found in structured

attacks against compact structures, crosses against the low defensive blocks were 81% in

controlled possession and cuts backs leading to a shot 42% of the time (UEFA, 2024). The

timing runs, and cross types are discovered to be significant in the drills that are done during the

practice sessions. Full-phase practices are important in that they help develop possession-to-

attack transition football skills. The players learn to act as a team in highly competitive match

situations by performing a predefined number of sequences.

Player Development Goals and Outcome-Based Coaching

Positional play is vital in soccer games because the right position on the playing field

helps increase the chances of scoring goals. Mates change their location and practice

coordination, using stimuli such as defenders' position (Teoldo et al., 2021). Knowledge of

player mobility improves decision-making in attack and is vital to team performance. Positioning

is a distinct tool to increase the ability to score during the game, using the open space in the field.

This enhance positioning responsiveness, which is useful during games (Goes et al., 2020).

Position awareness helps flexibility in the competitive structures, which is an in-match skill. This

training ensures that players apply the move under the pressure of the game.

High-pressure practices aim to read defence-related signs and signals for efficient and

rapid decision-making. Timing for the execution of crosses, depending on the defence structure,

increases players' confidence in their decisions (Gonzalez-Rodenas et al., 2016). The UEFA
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Champions League Technical Report for 2024 shows that cutback passes work well against

structured defenses and have a good success rate (UEFA, 2024). These session help build the

players' confidence, and they can perform under pressure from defenders. Specific decision-

making training helps the players prepare for critical match scenarios.

Conclusion

Conclusively, this study of Stockport County’s crossing approach reveals issues that must

be addressed, especially concerning the timing, positioning, and decision-making needed for

enhancement. In turn, deficiencies found in these areas can be closed by structured training

practices such as technical tactics drills, conditioned games, and phase-of-play situations, thereby

making Stockport more effective in crossing and scoring opportunities. Synchronized

movements, non-verbal communication, and cross-execution will improve their tactical reaction

to opponents in wide areas when pursuing goals in the future matches. When embarked on

routinely, these training adjustments will help Stockport improve its attacking prowess and

general performance.
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Appendixes

Appendix 1 (Timeline 1:28)

Appendix 2
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Appendix 3 (Timeline 9:05)

Appendix 4
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Appendix 7 (Timeline 1:22:04)

Appendix 8
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Appendix 9

Appendix 10 (Timeline 1:24:15)

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Appendix 11

Appendix 12
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Appendix 13

Finishing from Wide Areas

1) Technical Practice (20 min)

Set-Up

 Half of a Full Pitch

 Mannequins set up as defenders. Back 4 and 2 Central Midfielders + GK

 Attackers set up with 2 Strikers, 2 CMs & 2 wide players (RM & LM)

Drill

 Ball starts with one of the CMs

 One striker drops deep to link up with second CM. As the striker comes deep the opposite

striker moves into the free space.

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 CM then plays the ball out to the closest wide player.

 The RM or LM the takes on the mannequin and goes into a position to put a cross into the

box

 2 strikers will attack the ball and the opposite wide player will attack the back post

 1 CM will provide a cut back option and the other CM will provide depth and cover.

Detail

 Crosser contact on ball to spin or shape flight of ball away from GK.

 Flight ball accurately over GK to far post/beyond far post, for headers, if necessary.

 Coordinate runs into penalty area & observe progress of wide player before attacking key

areas infront of goal.

 observe flight of ball from cross & select appropriate surface to execute finishing skill

required.

 Getting feet & body shape prepared to execute finish.

Progression - Live Defenders are added once the different movements and options are explored.

2) Conditioned game (20 Min)

Set-Up - 2/3 of a Full Pitch. Wide areas coned off.

Red vs Blue 9v9

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Drill - This is a game related practice where the condition in the game is that the ball must be

played into a wide area before a goal can be scored.

The wide areas are limited to 1 Attacker vs 1 Defender. This will progress to introduce an

overload of 2v1. This overload will introduce overlaps and various movement patterns. This

practice should concentrate on getting the ball wide early and making the pitch as expansive as

possible to stretch the defence and exploit the spaces.

Detail

 Players need to use a variety of different combinations to get the ball into the Wide Areas

to cross the ball.

 The cross depends on the position of the Defender, however, it needs to be done with

quality. This can be lofted, driven or cut back.

 Finishing needs to be quick, ideally from 1 touch.

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3) Phase of Play (40 min)

Set-Up - 2/3 of a Full Pitch

Blue (Attacking) 2-4-2 vs Red (Defending) 4-2-1

Ball will start with Blue Defenders either side of the goal or from Red’s GK if coach call

it

Option 1 - Ball is bounced with CM then quickly played out wide.

LM is expected to take on the defender in a 1v1 or create 2v1 with CM or ST. If the LM can

get past the defender then a ball into the box is played. 2 strikers will look to crossover runs

with 1 attacking the front post and the other attacking the back post. The wide player on the

opposite side will time a run into the back post.

1 CM will provide a cut back option and the other CM will provide cover.
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Option 2 - 1 CM will offer an option short to receive the ball. The CM will then clear the

channel for a ball to be played to a striker who has dropped deep. The CM who has spun out

will receive a bounce pass from the striker and look to play a through ball to the wide man

who will look to get in behind the Full back. The CM will continue his run into the box and

this time the deeper striker will look to provide the cutback option.

Detail

 Awareness and decision making - Players need to constantly check the area for space,

teammates, opponents and the ball to make effective decisions.

 Passing - Players need to use combination play or attract defender to exploit wide areas.

 Timing of Runs - Players attacking the box need to time their runs as they move into the

box. Starting slow and speeding up as the wide player is in possession.

 Posiotioning - Players need to focus on the front post, back post and penalty spot.

Attackers need to look to get in front of the Defender where possible. If the Defenders

drop quickly, they can look to receive cutbacks.

 Crosses - Wide players need to see where the Defenders are positioned before they cross

the ball. This will dictate where the cross will need to be played. This could be lofted,

driven low or a cutback.

 Finishes - Ideally, the finishes need to be low and hard with an emphasis on a 1 touch

finish.