Crosses are one of the most common ways that goals are scored. But when the ball flies into the penalty area, the striker must decide in a flash: Do I head it, take it directly with my foot, or try to control it? The right choice depends on the trajectory, the height, and the position.
Height is the deciding factor
A simple rule of thumb is:
- Above shoulder height: Header or, for the brave, an overhead kick or bicycle kick.
- Between hip and shoulder: Side volley or dropkick, depending on body position.
- Below hip height: Classic volley with the instep or a direct strike with the inside of the foot.
The header
A good header requires timing, a well-timed jump, and courage. You strike the ball with your forehead, eyes remain open, and the upper body provides the necessary power with a movement from the hips. A downward header is particularly difficult for goalkeepers to save because the ball bounces in front of them.
The volley
A volley is often the most dangerous option because it travels toward the goal hard and fast. However, it requires clean technique. Important factors include a stable plant leg, keeping the upper body over the ball, and a firm ankle. For crosses from the side, the body must also turn slightly toward the ball so that the foot strikes it correctly.
The direct strike with the inside of the foot
Not every ball needs to be struck with full force. For low or medium-height deliveries, the inside of the foot is often the best choice. It offers the largest contact area and therefore the highest precision. A placed shot with the inside of the foot into the corner is often more effective than a hard strike with the instep.
When controlling the ball makes sense
Sometimes it is smarter to control the ball first, for example if you have plenty of space or the cross is inaccurate. But be careful: in the penalty area, every extra touch is punished. Defenders close in, and the goalkeeper gets set. Whenever possible, the direct approach is usually the better one.
Training the decision
Making the right choice in a match is a matter of experience. The more often you have experienced different crosses, the faster you will recognize which technique fits. A good exercise:
- A partner throws or crosses balls into the penalty area at different heights.
- You decide spontaneously whether to head, volley, or finish with the inside of your foot.
- After each series, briefly discuss which decisions were good.
The foundation: clean technique
The best decision is useless if the execution is not right. Therefore, it is worth practicing individual techniques in isolation before applying them in complex situations. Especially with the volley, it is helpful to start with a stationary ball. With the VOLLEYCHAMP®, the ball is positioned at 10, 20, or 30 cm, and you can repeat the impact point and body posture until the movement is muscle memory.
A look at the National Team
The Swiss national team took an important step toward the 2026 World Cup in October with a 2-0 win in Sweden and a 0-0 draw in Slovenia. In such tight games, set pieces and crosses are often the deciding factors. The final two qualifying matches against Sweden in Geneva and Kosovo follow in November.
Have fun trying it out, and remember: the best technique is the one you can call upon in the decisive moment.
