Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Intercepting Crosses and judging flight of ball.

TECHNIQUE (5 mins)

WARM UP

Markers / servers are placed on either side of penalty area, approx 1m from goal line. GK starts near centre of goal as shown for server 1.

GK slightly behind centre,facing respective server, body angled to enhance view of pitch.

Server 1 throws ball towards target (shaded) area for GK to collect.

GK receives from server 1/2 alternatively.

Progression

Servers are allowed to move slightly from marker and vary the direction of the thrown ball so that the target area is opened up to include the whole of the 6 yard box.

Key technical points

Starting position of the GK

Patience - hold your ground

Assess flight of ball - Collect/Stay

Communication - Keepers / Away

GK footwork to get into position and correct take off leg.

To take ball at the highest/safest point - Correct handling technique

SKILL (15 mins)

GK takes up position as if opposition attacking from wide. gk to use appropriate body shape and starting position depending on where the ball starts.

Players cross ball from deep positions aiming for the ball to drop near the far post.

GK tracks back or across goal to collect ball.

Coaching points

Initial positioning (if ball wide, shouldn't over commit to side of play)

patience to assess the flight of the ball then quick footwork to arrive late and fast or to drop to line.(choice of movement)

positional awareness

Communication - Keepers / away

Handhsapes

Ensuring that GK takes off on the correct leg and uses knee to offer themselves protection.

Progression

Wingers can alter there location from where they cross (changing the angle of delivery)

Introduce attacker/defender to add realism

Coaching points for progression

As previous

Decision making - catch or punch

Communication with defenders