Near and Far

Objectives

A team practice to encourage good crossing techniques; timing of runs to near and far post; for goalkeepers - decision making and practice in cross ball situations.

Organization

Split field players into three equal groups as shown above.
Goalkeepers (usually two or three) rotate after each cross.
Players in wide positions start with ball at back cone; must play ball forward beyond front cone and then cross (two touches).
Twin strikers on other side of penalty area move off their cones and decide who attacks which space.
After each cross the field players rotate their positions.
Practice area should be switched periodically so crosses come in from other side.

Coaching Points

Encourage and teach good quality crosses into the near and far post areas; good quality timing of runs and execution of the shots by the strikers.
Goalkeepers must appreciate the best starting position to attack crosses to near and far post; must not be scored on by mis-hit cross.
Decision making by goalkeeper is critical - early decision and action (or hold position); must "play the percentages."
Encourage the goalkeeper to call when coming out (e.g., "Keeper!").

ABILITIES DEVELOPED	KC's EMPHASIZED
Judgment of when and when not to attack a cross, and when to catch/when to punch.	Alert and Alive, Open, Absorption, Recovery.

Additional Information

As the players become familiar with the practice and become more accomplished, a cooperating defender can be introduced to help the goalkeeper. The communication, with the goalkeeper in the dominant "see-all" role, is critically important.

Obviously this practice can be developed and progressed (see Crossroads on next page), in all kinds of ways, by adding attackers and defenders. However, do not feel that adding numbers is necessarily progress. In its simplest form, this practice will be challenging to every player involved.

Age Suitability

Age	Suitable	Comments
6-11	NO	Not yet capable of the sophistication of this type of practice.
12-15	YES	Strongly recommended for this age group.
16+	YES	Strongly recommended. Consider bringing in a supporting defender at some stage.