Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Dealing with Crosses integrating Breaking Lines

Technical Session (20 mins)

Mechanics

• Focus on the ball with an open body - see ball and area / players
• Assess the flight - stay or go
• Communicate clearly,loudly and early - keepers or away!!
• Use appropriate footwork in preparation to jump - small steps - step,step,jump
• Aim to take off on one leg - leg nearest the goal, other knee should be up to gain extra height / momentum and for protection purposes
• Catch / punch the ball at the GK highest point - decision to catch or punch and if catch,what technque - W, cup or scoop?

Key Factors

• Starting position in relation to ball - prepare for shot or cross. Outside width of 18yd box (box 1) GK would generally be middle of the goal as is more likely to face a cross either front or back post. Inside the 18yd box but towards edge of 18yd box (box 2) GK will generally need to prepare for a shot but also be on front foot in case it is played across goal for another player running in. Inside the 18yd box towards goal line (box 3) GK will come towards front post and defend an imaginary goal from front post to 6yd line.
• Judge the flight of ball
• Catch the ball at highest point
• W technique mainly to be used, and hold ball
• May have option for the long barrier or scoop or cup
• Recovery runs towards middle of goal

Organisation

• Two GK taking in turns in goal with one server either side of the pitch initially serving three crosses each  from box 1. GK initially deals with cross and returns ball to server. Change GK and repeat.
• Coaching position will vary between behind the goal and the side of the goal depending on what is being observed. Coaching feedback / interventions will be concurrent, what / how based questions and brief to allow ball roll time. Coach to ensure demo's are clearly seen and heard by GK.
• Servers then deliver again this time from box 2 and then from box 3 with GK rotating after three crosses from both sides of the pitch.
• Progression - servers deliver again in the same order but this time the GK is encouraged to start a counter attack by breaking lines to one of the wingers (goal A and C) or to a holding midfielder (goal B).

SSG (20 mins)

Key Factors

• Starting position in relation to ball - prepare for shot or cross. Outside width of 18yd box (box 1) GK would generally be middle of the goal as is more likely to face a cross either front or back post. Inside the 18yd box but towards edge of 18yd box (box 2) GK will generally need to prepare for a shot but also be on front foot in case it is played across goal for another player running in. Inside the 18yd box towards goal line (box 3) GK will come towards front post and defend an imaginary goal from front post to 6yd line.
• Judge the flight of ball
• Catch the ball at highest point
• W technique mainly to be used, and hold ball
• May have option for the long barrier or scoop or cup
• Recovery runs towards middle of goal
• Does GK communicate clearly with defenders? Keepers or away?
• Does the GK look to break lines quickly upon securing possession?

Organisation

• Players play in approximately 60m x 40m pitch with two 5m channels either side and a second penalty area marked out to aid pitch geography for GK. Players play with a GK in a 3-2-2 formation with neutral players in the crossing channel.
• Players in the crossing channel cannot be initially challenged and are given to deliver crosses promptly to ensure game realism.
• GK are encouraged to break lines as in skill session, by distributing the ball to either a midfielder or winger promptly on securing possession.
• Coaching position would be side of pitch to ensure observation of both GK. Focus should remain dealing with crosses so observations should be on GKs and also ensuring the conditions applied allow for plenty of crosses from a variety of angles. SSG to be explained to players using a tactics board to aid understanding and allow for players questions.
• Progress to allow for straighter crosses from infield.
• Allow crossers to be challenged after their first touch to ensure game realism - however, be prepared to revert back if number of crosses drops off.