Learn to bend it like Beckham

AC Milan's European season may be over but last week they received a major boost with the news that David Beckham will remain with them for the remainder of the campaign, meaning the Rossoneri keep a player who is still one of the most dangerous crossers of a ball in the world.

Beckham whip
Beckham, 33, has agreed a deal to extend his loan from Major League Soccer club Los Angeles Galaxy having enjoyed a successful start to his career in Italy with two Serie A goals and a handful of assists. Now you can learn how to cross a ball like the England midfielder by visiting the UEFA Training Ground – click here. The Beckham Whip is the latest skill featured in the UEFA Champions League Skills School as resident skills expert Paul 'Woody' Wood gives a step-by-step guide with the help of England women's international Lianne Sanderson.

High praise
Beckham's ability to strike the ball is renowned the world over. Former Dutch international Ronald Koeman, a man similarly famed for his dead-ball expertise, said: "He is technically brilliant. But you can't do something like that without constantly practising it in training. He only steps back one or two metres yet is able to hit it so powerfully." Talking about his ex-Real Madrid CF team-mate, Roberto Carlos added: "It's beautiful how he hits the ball."

Big names
The UEFA Training Ground hosts more than 170 videos and features exclusive masterclass sessions from big-name players including Kaká, Andrea Pirlo, Xavi Hernández, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar – arguably among the greatest array of football talent assembled for a learning-based website. Europe's top referees offer advice on rules, regulations and much more, while coaches Roy Hodgson and Lars Lagerbäck have been recruited to help inform and educate players and coaches of all ages and abilities – all as part of the most comprehensive guide to skills and tactics on the internet.