Criss-Cross

Objectives

To produce a high-activity drill giving repeated practice in the basic techniques of goalkeeping.

Organization

• A minimum of five, maximum of ten. Keepers split into two facing files at marker cones set 15-20 yards apart.
• The single-cone file act as the "servers," the two-cone file the "goalkeepers."
• After each serve and each act of goalkeeping, the players criss-cross to the end of the opposite file.
• Type of service to the goalkeeper can be changed periodically:
  Rolled ball for collection.
  Rolled to side for diving save.
  Drop-kick service - less predictable.
  High-ball service.
  Short, diagonal roll - for diving at feet.
  
• After successfully collecting the ball, the keeper projects a short, sharp and strong throw aimed at the chest of the waiting server.

Coaching Points

• Insist on high quality work at all times, even with the simplest of saves.
• The throw into the chest of the server is very important - encourage the ball to be "thumped" into the chest.
• While the goalkeeper must be perfect, the oncoming player - the server on the criss-cross - should take caution to avoid injury-threatening situations.
• Coach should continually reinforce the KC's, particularly the "Hands as the Leader," and the "Open/Side Diving" considerations.

ABILITIES DEVELOPED	KC's EMPHASIZED
Good, sound technical habits.	Hands, Open, Alert and Alive, Side Diving, Absorption, AMOB III.

Additional Information

The Criss-Cross practice can be adjusted to accommodate field players, with another set of conditions placed on the field players to emphasize passing and control, while retaining the goalkeeping practice for the keeper.

The Criss-Cross practice needs some modification for Cross Ball techniques.

Instead of the keeper throwing the ball to the next server, the ball is lobbed by the coach or server at the side. The criss-cross action continues. The incoming attacker should attempt to get across the goalkeeper to distract the keeper - or even make contact with the ball (without risking injury).

Great encouragement should be given to the goalkeepers in the Criss-Cross crossing to leap and to take the ball as high as possible, even if this results in the occasional mistake or misjudgment. The goalkeeper will get the feeling of soaring while collecting the ball (in match play the "soaring goalkeeper" can be inspirational to his or her own teammates, and demoralizing to the opposition).

Age Suitability

Age	Suitable	Comments
6-11	YES	An ideal way to introduce elements of goalkeeping technique.
12-15	YES	Excellent introductory warm-up drill for a goalkeeper clinic or team practice
16+	YES	Worth adjusting the exercise for field players and goalkeepers because of the benefits.