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Proper Footwork on Crosses

EDITION 11
 

Welcome to the 11th edition of the Goalkeepers Newsletter. This issue will deal with the proper footwork on crosses.

Crosses are some of the hardest things for keepers to deal with because there are so many variables to consider such as the height of the serve, velocity, trajectory, spin of the ball, where are the obstacles (otherwise known as teammates and opponents) wind, sun etc. With proper footwork, crosses can be a nightmare, without proper footwork, the handling of crosses is simply a myth.

Today, I want to discuss two types of crosses. The first cross will be the high floating ball served between the 6 and the 12. First a keeper must determine whether the cross is within her range. Hopefully at the older age groups, anything floated into the 6 is definitely within her range and the real decision is balls floated into the second 6 (the area between the 6 yard box and the penalty spot). Once a keeper has made the decision to take the cross, her first step on a floated ball (assuming her body is opened up to the field like it should be) is to take a step away from the server with her far leg. (To picture this imagine the ball is coming from the keeper’s right side, with her body facing the center circle, she would step with her left leg away from where the ball was served from). The reason for this is that it’s much more difficult to go backwards then forwards so you want to get behind the ball so you come forward to meet the ball. If it is needed to take more then 1 step away to get behind the ball then your second step should be a partial crossover (the reason it’s only a partial crossover is after the first step, if another step is needed then the upper body would turn in that direction thus it would essentially become a forward step away from the server). Once the keeper is convinced she is far enough back she is going to do everything possible to get her body turned so her body is now directly behind the ball from where it is being served. Then and only then is she in position to catch the ball by coming forward to meet the ball. To review: The first is away, the second is a partial crossover if needed and then the body gets squared and the next is forward.

To receive a low ball driven to the near post, take the first step with the near foot inside of the goal and toward the front post. The reason for stepping into the goal is to ensure that when the next step is hard at the near post, it will allow you to receive the ball while going out of the goal helping to avoid running (or diving) into the near post. To review, take the first step into the goal with the near foot and then the next step hard at the near post.

Once you understand the footwork, the next step is to handle as many crosses. Start with uncontested balls then add an attacker. Gradually build up to game situations. If possible, videotape your training sessions as well as your matches to observe your footwork. It takes time and effort to handle crosses effectively.

If you have any suggestions for future newsletters, please send them to me at comments@finesoccer.com 

Have a great day!

Lawrence


 

We would like to thank Lawrence Fine and FineSoccer.com for allowing us to publish this article on the NASL website.  Please visit http://www.FineSoccer.com and sign up for Lawrence's free coaching newsletters and articles.

Created: 12/20/99
Last Updated: 08/15/03

Since February 24, 1999
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