Dealing with Crosses from Different Areas

YELLOW start with ball at feet or in hands and serves ball to position 1, 2, or 3

Cross delivered in-swing or out-swing 

Coaching Points: GK balance, footwork, timing, decision making – catch verse punch.

Detailing the Positioning: 

Starting Position For Service 1:  Goalkeeper is concerned with an early crossed whipped in but also should be aware of a shot, mis-kick, or deflection at the near post.  Goalkeepers feet square to the shooter and is located no close than the front 3rd of the goal.  Goalkeeper does not want to be near the front post since they will not be in position for a cross.

 Starting Position For Service 2:  Front 3rd of the goal two steps off the goal line.  This will allow the keeper to come forward for a through ball or ball crossed front post as well as quickly find the ball line for a ball played in the middle or back post.

Starting Position For Service 3:  Since the ball is located near the end line a crossed ball is the goalkeepers concern.  For a crossed ball outside the 18 near the end line the goalkeeper should be a 3/4 stance.  The 3/4 open stance will allow the goalkeeper to get the near post quickly as well as track a ball back post. 

During goalkeeper training on crosses emphasize:  Balance of the Goalkeeper, footwork, timing, communication, and decision making – catch verse punch.