The high cross

"It is the ability to deal with crosses that determines the good goalkeepers from the great."

A very productive session for both age groups on what is possibly the most technical of all goalkeeping topics.

To all coaches who had their keeper at training. Please take the time to discuss today's topic with them. All the keepers went away full of confidence that they have an important role to play apart from the obvious shot stopping. The keepers were actually starting to communicate correctly, but had concerns that what they are saying may not be understood by the coach and more importantly the players they hope to be communicating to. The goalkeepers attending this session were educated to a very high standard. Please encourage your keeper to share and put into practice what they have learned. (see "Communication when the crosser has the ball")

High Ball.

Take off with one foot, land on the same one

Knee up for 3 reasons. 1) Height, 2) Protection, 3) Space

Take the ball at earliest point, not highest

Call of "keepers"

Attack the ball as opposed to getting under it

When going backwards, glide but keep shoulders straight

If you are caught under the ball, a two footed take off is necessary

Crosses

Start last half of your goal because it is easier to run forward than back

The position of the crosser determines how far back

Inswinger/outswinger determines how far out you can come

Open body stance to see whole game

Assess the flight and pace of the ball

Look to claim things between your posts and the 6 yd box

Communication when the ball is in the air

"keepers" - keeper is coming and must get there

"Gone" - ball out of play. The keeper must cover the play to ensure the call is correct

"Away" - Tells defenders to clear. The goalkeeper takes up a position on the goal line providing more reaction time if the defender fails to win the ball

The tone of the voice determines the urgency of the action required

Communication when the crosser has the ball.

Points of reference for the defense to hold the line.

The "D"

Edge of the penalty area

Penalty Spot

6 yard Line

Level with the ball

The following must happen for teams to effectively hold the line

The crosser must be put under pressure

The line should not leave too much space for the Keeper to deal with

All defending players must move as one line

The keeper must have an advanced position ready to attack the ball if it is played over the defense.

Kind regards,

Leon

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Leon is Regional Director for UK International Soccer Camps