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CrossesGameCompetition

Conditioned game with a mandatory cross

Repeat the come-or-stay decision on crosses at moderate volume in a real match context, sized for a higher-load training day such as MD+2.

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Load

minutes
14
dives/set
3
Sets and reps
3 × 1
Intensity
High

dives per set, per goalkeeper

Microcycle days it fits

MD+2, MD-3

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

Setup

Goalkeepers
1
server
0
outfield player
6

Space: 34 × 22 m

Equipment: Balls, Bibs, Full goal

The coach serves and manages the breaks.

1 steps

The attack must progress down the wide channel and cross, with two marked attackers in the box. The goalkeeper decides to come, punch, or stay, with real physical contest.

Exercise sequence

Coaching points

  • The decision to come depends on trajectory and player density at the drop point, never on distance alone.
  • Punch only when contest or trajectory make a confident catch unlikely — catching remains the priority.
  • Call the decision with enough lead time for defenders to react to cover, not to the ball contest.
  • Recover the base position quickly after every cross, even when the action fails.

Progressions

  1. Mark three attackers in the box instead of two.
  2. Also allow near-post crosses, without warning.

Regressions

  1. Remove the physical contest, leaving only trajectory reading.
  2. Reduce to one marked attacker.

Sources · 2

  1. BookAndy Elleray, «Goalkeeping in Football»
  2. Book«Scientific Approaches to Goalkeeping in Football», Bennion Kearny