Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Off The Line GK, Series 4, Session 3, Catching Crosses

catching crosses from toss (15 mins)

Exercise Description:

Catching high balls from a toss. From the touch line and from an angle

Coaching Points:

-positioning in the correct area of the goal at the moment of the service

-getting feet set before moving in any direction

-judge flight of the ball and then move for it

-catch the ball at the highest point (different for each GK based on size, jumping ability, etc.)

-Knee farthest from the goal up to protect and create separation with attackers and defenders.

-Land and keep moving out of the path of oncoming players.

-Distribute quickly if the game allows for it. Create counter attack.

Technical Objectives:

-Body shape, square to the ball when you catch

- Hands together, catching the middle to the top half of the ball

-seeing the ball through the window (hands in front of your face), not directly over your head.

-small steps to adjust to the flight of the ball, last step larger to take off and propel upward.

Tactical Objectives:

-ball is closer to the end line- take space from your goalline to limit the amount of ground you must cover.

-inswinger vs. outswinger. Where will the ball most likely end up, allows for anticipation.

communicate that it is your ball, calling keeper or away if you cannot get to it.

Physical Objectives:

- control of your body at all times. movements should not be big or you will struggle to adjust.

- improve jumping and landing ability, off of both feet.

Equipment:

4 cones, 2 big goals, 2 small goals, 15 soccer balls.

Organization:

defending 1/3 of the field

Progression:

-change angles

-serve in front, behind, farther out (extend their range)

-live service

-add pressure

Rules:

Cross Catching Competition (20 mins)

Exercise Description:

1 vs. 1 Crossing challenge

If you win the duel you stay in, if you lose you are out until it's your turn in the rotation.

Rules:

2 points: if you catch a ball in front of near post or at far post.

1 Point: if you catch in middle two zones.

1 Point: if you call the correct command (keeper or away)

Bonus point: overhand throw into opposite small goal within 3 second of catching the cross.

If both players miss the cross (and it's catchable) they are both out.