Side Kicks

Objectives

To develop the understanding and the decision making involved in attacks from the sides of the goal; a meaningful practice for field players in clinical finishing.

Organization

Set out the penalty box as shown in the illustration. The practice starts from one side and is later changed to the other.
Initially the "side kick" can be served in by the coach, later by the players.
The keeper must start at the near post area. If the keeper anticipates the cross, then shots/goals are permitted at the near post.
The squad should be split into two teams - one shooting while the other fields. The challenge is between two teams.
The goalkeepers have their own challenge - to keep the success rate on scoring under 50%.
It is important that the placement of the cones is such that the cone nearest the goal line for the "side kick" is sufficiently close to the end line to make the cross a "pull-back."

Coaching Points

Goalkeepers must defend the near post first and foremost.
Encourage goalkeepers to position marginally in front of the near post - so they won't push a high shot into the top of the net, nor crash into the post. They may consider using the hand extended sideways and backwards to touch the post.
After forcing the cross by holding position, the keeper can cut out the cross ball - or, more likely, move across the goal to defend the impending shot.
As the ball is played across the goal, the keeper must move towards the far post fast, and attempt to "set" just before the shot.
If there is a delay in the shot, it may be possible to advance a step or two to cut down the angle.
Praise each keeper for every effort and success (there may not be too many to start with!).

ABILITIES DEVELOPED	KC's EMPHASIZED
The "nerve" and "know-how" to maximize the chances of savings.	Stay On Feet, React, Set, Don't Fall Back, Shape.

Additional Information

As a progression, the players themselves can cross the ball and work on a rotation (cross /shoot/cross, and so on). As well, the practice area can be extended to work on side crosses from further distances out.

The decision and action process that takes place for the goalkeeper is as follows:

Hold near post position, face up to the ball. Do not allow near-post goal.
As the ball is crossed, can a keeper hold or deflect the ball by diving out, or
Can a keeper get across goal, check his or her run and face up for the shot?
If the striker is delaying the shot, for whatever reason, can a keeper get "set" in case the shot is played across the body?
If the cross is slow, can I get into position and move out a pace or two, or
If the cross is fast, and the shooter is committed to steer the ball into the corner, gamble by diving and spreading? *

* This is not anticipation - it's a "last ditch" calculated gamble.

Age Suitability

Age	Suitable	Comments
6-11	NO	Not ready for this yet.
12-15	YES	Best with the coach as the "side kick" server - therefore controlling the situation.
16+	YES	Excellent for goalkeeper and team, with a good chance of goalkeepers being pleasantly surprised by their success rate.