Extending a Keepers Range on Crosses

One of the things that separates top keepers from lower level keepers, is on crosses. To play at a good 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-yard box. 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 he/she can get is one thing that separates them.

Another thing is the understanding of just how dangerous lofted balls 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 out wide with some balls on the corner of the 18-yard box so that they can shoot at the goal or chip into the crossing target.

The keeper’s first priority is to save any shots on goal and their next priority is to prevent any balls from being chipped/crossed 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 them a better command of the 18 yard box. Ideally, it would be great if instead of controlling the 6-yard box, the keeper can get to the point where they control the second 6-yard box as well (out to the dotted line). To make this drill even more difficult, add a field player who should challenge the keeper for every lofted ball.