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CrossesGameCompetition

Game with mandatory crossing

Make the come-or-stay decision happen often in a game context, with the scoring rule guaranteeing crossing volume without making it artificial.

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Load

minutes
18
dives/set
5
Sets and reps
3 × 1
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
2
server
0
outfield player
10

Space: 44 × 40 m

Equipment: Balls, Bibs, Cones, Full goal

One goalkeeper works while the other serves or observes. Swap after each set.

2 steps

5v5 on a wide half-pitch, with wide channels marked by cones. Only goals from crosses count, which draws teams to the flanks naturally. The goalkeeper organises the box on every attack.

Exercise sequence

Coaching points

  • Organise the box while the ball is travelling to the flank — once the cross is delivered it is too late.
  • Adjust starting position to the ball side: nearer the front post for byline crosses, more central for deeper ones.
  • Every cross is a fresh decision: do not repeat the previous one out of habit.
  • When coming, call loudly and early — defenders need to know to clear the space.

Progressions

  1. Free the channels, allowing overloads on the flanks and faster crosses.
  2. Switch to crosses counting double while normal goals still count — more realistic.

Regressions

  1. Leave the channel unopposed, giving cleaner, more readable crosses.
  2. Reduce to 4v4, with fewer bodies in the box.

Sources · 3

  1. BookAndy Elleray, «Goalkeeping in Football»
  2. StudyAdvice from “pracademics” of how to apply ecological dynamics theory to practice design (2023)
  3. CurriculumRegulamento do Curso UEFA de Treinadores de Guarda-Redes «B», Federação Portuguesa de Futebol