Uncovering the underrated value of floated crosses – set-piece analysis

A floated cross has a higher trajectory than a usual cross. The higher arc of the ball means that the ball travels across the air for a longer period, which provides both sides with plenty of time to react to the path of the cross. Due to the type of arc the cross requires, it is almost exclusively meant to target the back half of the 18-yard box.

Floated crosses havent been a common occurrence from set plays, primarily due to the lack of numerical advantages it may provide, as defending teams have the time to reorganise themselves should any screen/runs be made before the corner is taken. However, whilst the benefits arent clear from one perspective, there are numerous ways these kinds of corners can be used to a teams advantage, particularly if a team has a player capable of winning most of his aerial duels.

In this tactical analysis, we will look into the tactics behind different methods of floated crosses, with an in-depth analysis of how each technique can be attempted and the positives/risks that come along with them. This set-piece analysis will examine why floated crosses are undervalued and the many potential benefits that come with them.

Making the Most of Aerial Specialists

As mentioned above, floated crosses are most beneficial when aimed towards players who are superior aerially. A floated cross into the box usually results in a 1v1 aerial duel between the two players the cross is about to land on, and so having a player who is likely to win most aerial duels can nearly guarantee your team making the first contact inside the box, the golden ticket to scoring from corners.

The most important aspect of the success rate of floated crosses is the receivers ability in the air. Being a dangerous aerial presence from corners involves many facets, with many components (timing, jumping reach, judgement, movement, physical strength, heading accuracy) differingly impacting the likelihood of a player winning their aerial duel.

In the example below, Liverpools Ibrahima Konate displays his excellent judgement and heading ability in the Champions League match against Benfica. Konate can jump early, while the ball is still floating towards the box, because of his ability to read the flight of the ball and predict where the ball will arrive earlier than anyone else.

As he has judged the cross well, Konate can be in the optimal position to attack the header. Konate then jumps early, perhaps too early, but his ability to jump higher than the average player allows him to be in the air first and use his arms to prevent his marker from being able to leave the floor by pinning his shoulder in place. After Konate is able to ground his marker, he then has a free attempt at the header, where his excellent placement of the effort makes it unstoppable for the goalkeeper.

The leap was slightly off the optimal timing, as Konate jumped early, meaning that he was on his way down as he headed the ball, so he lost potential extra power off the effort generated through his jump. However, the trade-off for an unopposed goal attempt was undoubtedly worth it. It will always be worth it for players who lack the jumping reach to outjump players or timing to win their aerial duels consistently.

Below is another example of a player consistently superior in aerial duels, no matter who the opponent is. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the masters in attacking headers, as he has all the skills Konate possesses whilst jumping higher than anyone else and having the timing in his leaps to attack the ball at the highest point. Being able to attack the ball at the highest point allows Ronaldo to head the ball at points other players cant even reach while also being able to attack the ball with maximal power simultaneously.

Another critical skill Ronaldo possesses is his ability to constantly move inside the box, making it difficult for defenders to track his runs. Ronaldo consistently creates space for himself in this fashion, and the added movement also helps him to attack the header with a run-up, which allows him to reach even higher points when leaping for the ball.