Edition 39

Welcome to the Goalkeeping Newsletter.  Today's topic is dealing with extending a keepers range on crosses.

First of all, I would like to congratulate Brittany S for winning the free pair of keeper gloves from Absolute Soccer. Thanks to everyone who participated.

One of the things that separates top keepers from lower level keepers is the area in which the higher level keepers control on crosses.  To play at a relatively decent level, a keeper must be able to control the 6 yard box.  This means that any ball LOFTED into the 6 yard box must be handled (either caught or punched).  Note the emphasis on lofted as there will be balls driven that will be very difficult to handle even if they are inside the 6).  What keeps some keepers on their line while others are willing to venture out for these balls?  The biggest thing is self confidence.   The willingness to take a chance on a ball that the keeper knows she can get is one thing that separates the different levels.  Another thing is the understanding of just how dangerous lofted ball can be.  An effective drill to work on this can be done by taking two goals and setting them up in an L shape.  One goal should be designated as the "goal" and the other is the "crossing target". Have a server start with some balls out on the corner of the 18yard box so that she can shoot on the goal or chip into the crossing target.  The keeper's first priority is to save any shots on goal and her next priority is to prevent any chipped balls from going into the crossing target.  As the keeper gets more comfortable with the crossing target, move the target back and away from the goal making the keeper extend further and further and giving her a better command of 18.Ideally, it would be great if instead of controlling the 6 yard box, the keeper can get to the point where she controls the second 6 as well (the area between the 6 yard box and the penalty spot). To make this drill even more difficult, add a field player who should challenge the keeper for every lofted ball.

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Have a great day

Lawrence