DECISION MAKING

Once the technical components of dealing with crosses have been mastered, the focus shifts to tactical considerations and the most difficult part of goalkeeping: decision making.

Given enough proper training, all keepers will be solid shot stoppers and will possess the necessary skill set to be functional in goal. But being a top-flight goalkeeper comes down to making correct decisions. This is why keepers generally reach their peak in their early 30s. By then they have acquired enough game and training experience to make correct decisions.

When a keeper is dealing with crosses, the key decisions include determining the proper starting position, reading the flight of the ball, and gauging whether the cross is reachable.