Goalkeeping Edition 84

Welcome to the Goalkeeping Newsletter.  Today’s subject will deal with the crossover steps of a goalkeeper and is contributed by Don Williams who is the Goalkeeper coach of the Bay Area Seals of the A League.  I think that he has made some excellent points here and this can make a big difference in all keepers ability to move.  From here on you will be reading Don’t words.

  I notice that many coaches are still telling keepers to shuffle (not cross their feet) even when the keeper must cover large distances in the goal.  While shuffling (side Step) is proper for a step or two, with the pace of today's modern game and the speed of play, when the ball is switched or crossed the keeper must adjust positions as quickly as possible (See edition 72).

   The proper technique for covering a large distance is the cross over step.  I call this the "Keeper Crossover".  The Keeper Crossover is simply running the direction you want to go while the body is facing the ball.   Younger keepers will want to turn their body away from the ball and must be trained to always face the ball.

An Exercise To Train
Keeper Crossover

 
Keeper stands just in front of, and slightly outside the Post with all the soccer balls.

Keeper passes the ball to server who is central & at the top of the 18.

Server makes a 1st time strike on target.

Keeper must use the keeper crossover and the "V run" (edition 72) method to come into the new position as quickly as possible.

Progression:
The server now needs to change positions to:
 1. 18 yards out, but just outside the opposite post

 2. 12 yards out, but on the opposite side of the goal from the keeper, and in line with the corner of the six yard box (where we often see goal kicks taken from)
 

   After 20 or so balls from each of the 3 positions, the keeper and the server must switch sides and repeat.

Key coaching points are:

1. The Crossover step

2. The line of the run of the keeper

3.  The keeper must be set before the ball is struck.

   I have found with lost of repetition of this exercise that my Pro and College keepers have increased their speed and understanding of dealing with driven, crossed balls.

Don Williams
USSF "B" Licensed Coach
Goalkeeper Trainer
Bay Area Seals, A-League
 

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Have a great day.

Lawrence