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CrossesAnalyticTechnique

Come-or-stay decision, no opposition

Isolate the decision to come off the line or stay for a cross, without the complexity of bodies in the box.

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Load

minutes
10
dives/set
2
Sets and reps
3 × 6
Intensity
Medium

dives per set, per goalkeeper

Microcycle days it fits

MD+1, MD-4, MD-3, MD-2

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

Setup

Goalkeepers
1
server
1
outfield player
0

Space: 24 × 18 m

Equipment: Balls, Full goal

The coach serves and manages the breaks.

1 steps

Server on the byline or the edge of the box crosses to different zones and heights. The goalkeeper decides to come and catch, or stay and adjust position, with no opposition interfering.

Exercise sequence

Coaching points

  • Decide early: hesitating mid-way through coming is worse than either decision made with conviction.
  • Come out under control, not in an uncontrolled sprint — arrive at the drop point balanced.
  • Catch at the highest possible point, with both arms extended.
  • When staying, adjust position for the new angle created by the zone the cross comes from.

Progressions

  1. Serve from alternating zones without warning.
  2. Add curve to the ball, to vary the trajectory.
  3. Add a passive player inside the box.

Regressions

  1. Always serve from the same zone and height.
  2. Reduce the crossing distance.

Sources · 3

  1. CurriculumGoalkeeper Skills: The Complete Technical and Tactical Checklist, LevelUp.soccer
  2. BookAndy Elleray, «Goalkeeping in Football»
  3. CurriculumTechnical Coaching Points: Goalkeeping, Minnesota Youth Soccer Association