Our centre-backs defend crosses side-on and lose sight of the striker

I’d coach the centre-backs to defend on a slight angle rather than turning completely towards the cross. They need to see enough of the ball to judge the delivery, but also keep the striker in their peripheral vision. A useful reference is “ball, player, goal” — keep checking all three as the winger prepares to cross. The nearest centre-back may need to attack the first contact, while the second protects the space behind. If both turn fully towards the ball, the striker can move across their blind side without being noticed. I’d train repeated crossing situations and vary the striker’s movement. Sometimes front post, sometimes hold, sometimes pull away. The aim is not a perfect body position held constantly. It is repeated scanning and small adjustments. At U14, I’d praise the defender who sees the striker move early, even if the final clearance is untidy. That awareness is the habit you are trying to build.