In soccer, there are many different ways to execute ball movement both offensively and defensively.  Perhaps the most effective pass is the cross pass.  Whether on offense of defense, a cross pass can be used to reverse the ball to the other side of the field.  This is done in the case that an opposition has over-loaded one side of the field and it can effectively allow a team to create space in order to more efficiently execute strategies. 

Essentially when one uses a cross pass it will open passing lanes and windows in a defensive shell.  Doing so will allow a team to be more effective in attacking and/or initiating an attack.  Much like utilizing a through attacker to penetrate an opposing defensive shell, the use of a cross pass can effectively enable an offense to break down the shell by forcing defenders to get out of place.  When a cross pass is utilized it will scramble an opponents defensive setting because when adjusting to the cross they do not have time to effectively react and reset their strategic defensive positions.

On offense, a cross pass may be used on an isolated break-away attack, when attacking a set defense, or when attempting to relieve defensive pressure on the sideline.  After a long front pass has been made allowing two strikers to become isolated in a break-away against defenders, a cross pass can be used by the strikers to open up a better shooting angle on goal.  When one attacker closes in on a particular side of the goal with the ball, the opposing defenses goalie must compensate to that side of the net in order to combat his primary strike; thus, when a cross pass is made by that striker to the opposite attacker, it will effectively reverse the point of attack enabling an open shot on goal because the goalie does not have enough time to readjust his goal position.  A striker may execute cross at any point during the attack; however, he or she should attempt to execute a cross as deep into defensive territory as possible.  Doing so will decrease the distance of a shot on goal, and consequently the reaction time a goalie has to recompense.

Another instance wherein a cross is highly effective is when executing a set offensive attack.  Executing a cross will allow the offense to change the point of attack enabling them to take advantage of the defense where it is weakest; furthermore, executing a cross will effectively allow the offense to achieve further penetration into defensive territory.  Essentially a cross pass will allow an offense to effectively break the defensive shell because as the opposition attempts to readjust in accordance with the pass and offensive attackers, they will leave themselves susceptible to window, angles, and seems from where an uninhibited shot on goal may be executed.  As was stated before, this breakdown is due to the defensive scrambling that leaves soft spots from wherein the attackers can pass or position themselves.   

In the situation that the offense receives a corner kick, most often - if not always - a team will use a cross to attack a defense.  Using a cross in these situations can be highly efficient because it allows the offense to pass the ball over the top of a defensive setting; furthermore, if a player is able to bend the ball when crossing a corner, it will serve as a deception that will effectively discombobulate a defensive wall and create shot on goal opportunities.  When setting up a corner kick the offense is able to position its’ offense in a manner wherein picks can be set on defenders, thereby freeing attackers within the defense for open opportunities on goal.  Thus, utilizing a cross pass, especially one that bends, will most effectively hit a freed attacker in a position wherein he may head or strike the ball against goal depending on that angle he or she is given by the goalie. 

When playing defense a cross can be used in order to initiate an aggressive attack.  This can be done after stealing the ball, then reversing it to the open side of the pitch. 

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