Skip to content
← Back to library

CrossesAnalyticTechnique

Attacking the ball at the far post

Keep the diagonal movement to the far post sharp on crosses, with few reps and without the physical contest a full crossing block demands.

Add to a session

Which session should use this exercise?

You do not have any sessions yet. Create the first one to add this exercise.

New session
Choose a session and the exercise is added to today’s plan.

Load

minutes
8
dives/set
3
Sets and reps
2 × 4
Intensity
Medium

dives per set, per goalkeeper

Microcycle days it fits

MD-1

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

Setup

Goalkeepers
1
server
1
outfield player
0

Space: 24 × 16 m

Equipment: Balls, Full goal

The coach serves and manages the breaks.

1 steps

A server crosses toward the far-post area, with no players in the box. The goalkeeper moves diagonally and resolves by catching or tipping over, depending on the chosen constraint.

Exercise sequence

Coaching points

  • The diagonal path starts early — waiting until the ball is near the post means arriving late.
  • The arm nearer the post leads the movement, without rotating the trunk before it is needed.
  • Choose to catch whenever the trajectory allows it; tip over the bar only when the ball is out of safe reach.
  • Land under control, without seeking impact — this is not the day to risk demanding landings.

Progressions

  1. Reduce reaction time by bringing the server closer.
  2. Add a passive player partially obstructing sight.

Regressions

  1. Reduce the crossing distance.
  2. Always announce which zone the cross targets.

Sources · 2

  1. BookAndy Elleray, «Goalkeeping in Football»
  2. BookJoe Luxbacher, «The Soccer Goalkeeper: Techniques, Tactics, Training»