Transition Goalkeeper Cross Collection

Objective

• -Judge the flight of a cross and claim it
• -Communicate clearly with defenders
• -Decide between catching, punching and staying

Setup

1. 1A goal with crossing stations on both flanks in a 40 x 32 yards area.
2. 2Mark a second target area at the opposite end so the practice can flip direction instantly.
3. 3Balls at both crossing stations, cones marking the six-yard box.

How to play

1. 1Wide server delivers a cross into the box.
2. 2The keeper calls early and either claims or punches clear.
3. 3Add two attackers in the box for the last block.
4. 4Coach serves a loose ball into the middle and both teams react to win it.
5. 5On every turnover the winning team has six seconds to attack the opposite target.

Progressions

• +Cut the counter window to four seconds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Freeze the play for two seconds after each turnover to reset shape
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Coach can serve a second ball to force an instant re-transition
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Getting stuck on the line
• -No communication with defenders
• -Stopping to appeal instead of reacting to the turnover