Skip to content
← Back to library

CrossesRepresentativeTactics

Near-post cross: come or stay (u12)

Train the come-or-stay decision on a cross, starting from the most readable trajectory (near post) — cross decision-making was almost absent below under-14.

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
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: 20 × 16 m

Equipment: Balls, Full goal, Bibs

The coach serves and manages the breaks.

1 steps

The server crosses to the near-post area. The goalkeeper decides whether to come and intercept or stay and adjust position. Start with a passive attacker, progress to a contest.

Exercise sequence

Coaching points

  • The decision to come is made early and committed to — half-coming is the worst of both worlds.
  • If coming, attack the ball at its highest point and ahead of the goal line, not on the line.
  • If staying, drop half a step and reset for the shot that may follow.
  • The voice announces the decision ("keeper!" or "away!") before the body moves.

Progressions

  1. Let the server choose the post.
  2. Add the second attacker to contest.

Regressions

  1. Fix the near post every time.
  2. Remove the attacker, unopposed cross.

Sources · 2

  1. BookAndy Elleray, «Goalkeeping in Football»
  2. CurriculumUEFA Goalkeeper Coaching, First Edition (2022), UEFA