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CrossesRepresentativeTechnique

Catching the high cross at the highest point

Consolidate catching the cross at the highest point under a contest — reinforces the aerial catch under contact, the highest-value decision in the goalkeeper’s aerial game.

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Load

minutes
12
dives/set
1
Sets and reps
3 × 4
Intensity
Medium

dives per set, per goalkeeper

Microcycle days it fits

MD-3, MD-2

Each bar’s height is that day’s dive ceiling.

Setup

Goalkeepers
1
server
1
outfield player
2

Space: 22 × 16 m

Equipment: Balls, Full goal, Bibs

The coach serves and manages the breaks.

1 steps

Crosses to the central zone with attackers contesting. The goalkeeper decides to come, attacks the ball at the highest point with a leading knee for protection, and holds the catch through contact.

Exercise sequence

Coaching points

  • Attack the ball at the highest point and ahead of the goal line, with a raised knee to protect the space.
  • The hands form the W behind the ball; the catch must resist the contact, fingers firm.
  • The decision to come is committed and announced aloud — hesitation on the cross costs goals.
  • Bring the ball to the chest on the way down, to protect it from the contest and the rebound.

Progressions

  1. Legal contact contesting the space.
  2. Tenser, faster cross.

Regressions

  1. Jump with no contact.
  2. Higher, slower cross.

Sources · 2

  1. Coach practiceMeasuring a goalkeeper’s aerial game with Claim Accuracy, Driblab
  2. BookAndy Elleray, «Goalkeeping in Football»