Keeper high catches (crosses)
Servers lob balls into the six-yard box and the keeper attacks them at the highest point. Builds confidence coming for crosses, the area most young keepers fear.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Keeper in goal; servers on both sides of the box with balls in hand.
- Start with throws, then kicked crosses for older keepers.
Equipment: Goal, balls
How it works
- Server lobs the ball into the six-yard box.
- Keeper calls 'Keeper!', attacks the ball off one foot and catches at the highest point.
- Alternate sides; add a passive attacker later.
Coaching points
- Call early and loudly.
- Take off from one foot, lead with the knee for protection.
- W-shape hands, catch above your head and bring it in.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Throws closer to the keeper
Make it harder
- Kicked crosses
- Passive then active attacker in the six-yard box
AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ Passโ Runใฐโ Dribble
Free AI coaching help from Gafferbook. Ask anything about coaching your team.
More goalkeeping drills
Ready position and catching
The coach serves from close range to the keeper's chest, body and feet. Builds the ready position and the three basic catching shapes.
See the drill โDiving from the knees
Keepers practise low saves from a kneeling start, so they learn the shape of a dive without the fear of falling.
See the drill โKeeper footwork and set position
Keepers shuffle across the goal between cones and get set before each shot. Good footwork and being set as the ball is struck save more goals than diving.
See the drill โKeeper one-on-ones (close down and smother)
Attackers dribble in from 20 metres and the keeper closes them down, makes themselves big and smothers or blocks. Teaches the brave, sensible one-on-one technique.
See the drill โKeeper distribution to targets
Keepers roll, throw and pass to targets in zones at different distances. Good distribution starts attacks, and at Future Fit ages it's half the keeper's job.
See the drill โKeeper reaction saves
The keeper's view is blocked until late by a cone line or mannequin, so they have to react to the ball. Sharpens reflexes and quick feet.
See the drill โ