Coach: Adam Smith Practice Theme: Age: 12 (Goalkeepers)
Catching high balls / crosses
Description Diagram Coaching Points
Warm-up- 8 Goalkeepers, one ball each.
" Close control, two hands on the ball (not like a basketball
Set up a grid 20x20 yards. Gk s begin moving and performing a variety
player).
of activities- side to side, skipping and bouncing the ball as they move.
Ensure regular stoppages in order for stretching. " Palms facing down/W formation with hands.
Progression:
" Relax hands to grip the ball comfortably.
1. Hold ball above head (in front). Gk s jump every four to five
" Keep eyes on ball and catch at highest point
steps as if catching a ball. Ball is always in hands.
" Jump off one leg bringing up the opposite knee for
2. Gk s then throw the ball up every four or five steps for a  self
added height and protection.
catch .
" To avoid dropping the ball  bring ball into body after
3. With one ball, serve to each other. Ball must be served for a
high catch. Wrap arms/hands around ball.
catch above the head. More balls can be added to increase activity
speed and level of difficulty.
Time: 12-15 minutes
Activity 1- Attacking the aerial ball
" Correct posture (no twisting to ensure balance).
The four GK s (working) position in semi circle formation around the
" Body needs to be always in line with the flight of the ball.
 six yard box. X (servers 1-4) stand 5-10 yards away opposite GK
Adjust accordingly when collecting from the different
X4
(distance varies depending on GK ability). X throws a lofted ball for
angles.
GK to catch. GK returns ball to server and quickly rotates to next
X3
" Elbows tucked in and slightly bent to provide stability of
server.
the catch and added protection.
Progression:
X2
" Focus on footwork- amount of steps needed to approach ball.
1. To vary service, ball can be thrown in front or behind keeper s
X1
head.
2. Fun game: GK s work through the line (three times/total of
12 balls) and gain a point for every ball caught and brought into
Time : 12-15 minutes
body. X then becomes GK and game is repeated. Winner is
GK with most points.
Activity 2- Dealing with balls from wider areas
" All above points.
Field dimensions- 40 yards wide by 30 long.
" Starting position in relation to position of field player
Central player passes to wide player who dribbles and then crosses for
and ball.
GK to catch. Gk then distributes ball back to central player.
" Adjustment as ball changes flight pattern in sir.
Progression:
" Decision to punch when under heavy pressure- Make
1. Work both sides and rotate players in all positions.
GK s aware of punching techniques (single or double fisted)
2. Once server in middle has passed the ball wide, they can become
involved with the play by challenging for the cross ball.
3. Fun game: GK s rotate and receive three crosses from each side.
Time: 15-20 minutes
A point is awarded for each collected cross and deducted for a
dropped/missed cross or goal against. Winner is GK with most
points.
Note- Set up exercise back to back, (mirror the field) to
incorporate all eight goalkeepers working in the session.
Final Activity- Finish with short sided game
" All above points.
Field dimensions same as 2. Remove channels for open play. GK s play " GK s to shout and call for ball to give good
4v4 with last defender (GK) able to use hands. Goals can only be communication to team players.
scored from a crossed or aerial ball. Remove game conditions for final Encourage keepers to distribute ball wide to gain
game. The team with the most goals wins. attacking/crossing opportunities quickly.
Time: 20 Minutes
Cool Down 5 Minutes