Emphasis:
Dealing with crosses to the near post
Set-up:
Goalkeeper 1 stands towards the near post of the goal.
Goalkeeper stands 6-8 yards away with a group of balls.
The server is at the top of the box with plenty of balls.
Objective:
Goalkeeper 2 serves from his/her hands a high ball above the crossbar for goalkeeper 1 to come and collect. Goalkeeper 1 makes the save, and throws the ball back to goalkeeper 2 while still in the air. Goalkeeper 1 turns, cuts down the angle, and makes the save from the server at the top of the box.
Progressions:
- Goalkeeper 2 moves closer to the corner flag, and serves from crosses into the near post from the ground.
- The server hits a moving ball or can go 1v1 breakaway with the goalkeeper.
Coaching Points:
- Catch the ball above the crossbar and at the highest possible catching point.
- Make the save even or in front of the near post if possible.
- Drive the knee up for more power.
“Great ideas need landing gear as well as wings”-C. O. Jackson-