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CrossesRepresentativeTactics

Crosses with 2v2 inside the box

Execute the come-or-stay decision under real opposition and contested space, including verbal organisation of the line before the cross.

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Load

minutes
14
dives/set
6
Sets and reps
4 × 4
Intensity
High

dives per set, per goalkeeper

Microcycle days it fits

MD-4, MD-3

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

Setup

Goalkeepers
1
server
1
outfield player
4

Space: 30 × 20 m

Equipment: Balls, Bibs, Full goal

The coach serves and manages the breaks.

1 steps

Two attackers against two defenders inside the box, cross coming from an alternating zone. The goalkeeper organises marking before the cross and decides to come, stay, or punch clear when a catch isn’t safe.

Exercise sequence

Coaching points

  • Marking organisation happens before the ball is crossed, never during the aerial contest.
  • With bodies contesting, punching over the bar beats a risky catch — not losing the ball is safer than a bad attempt to hold it.
  • Two-handed punch when there’s no room for a safe catch, directed away from the danger zone.
  • Once committed to coming, commit fully: turning back halfway is the worst outcome.

Progressions

  1. Increase to 3 attackers inside the box.
  2. Alternate the cross origin with no pattern at all.
  3. Add a second server, one on each side.

Regressions

  1. Reduce to 1v1 inside the box.
  2. Cross always from the same side, predictable.

Sources · 3

  1. BookAndy Elleray, «Goalkeeping in Football»
  2. Book«Scientific Approaches to Goalkeeping in Football», Bennion Kearny
  3. CurriculumRegulamento do Curso UEFA de Treinadores de Guarda-Redes «B», Federação Portuguesa de Futebol