High Ball Claiming
A GK who claims high balls confidently prevents corners, reduces aerial confusion, and dramatically lowers the number of headers the defence has to make under pressure.
◆Why this drill works
A GK who claims high balls confidently prevents corners, reduces aerial confusion, and dramatically lowers the number of headers the defence has to make under pressure. Most grassroots GKs are reluctant to come for crosses because they have never been taught when to come and how to take off. This drill builds both. Starting without any attacker present removes the fear of collision entirely, letting the keeper focus purely on the take-off mechanics, before contact and then genuine aerial duels are added in careful stages. The final crossing progression, where the decision to come or stay is entirely the keeper's own, is what actually transfers to matches — a keeper who has only ever been told when to come never develops the judgement to make that call independently under pressure.
◇Variations and progressions
- Both-hands protection variant — introduce a second attacker challenging just after the claim to build the habit of protecting the ball immediately on landing.
- Near-post vs far-post service — vary delivery between near and far post so the GK learns different take-off angles for each.
- Punch decision drill — deliberately serve some balls too far to catch cleanly, so the keeper practises recognising when a punch is the safer choice.
- Communication-only round — remove the coach's prompts entirely and require the GK to organise the defensive line's positioning verbally before every serve.
▦The drill in three phases
▶How to run it
- Coach serves high balls from various angles — initially without any attackers. GK practises calling KEEPER and taking off on the right foot.
- Technique focus: take-off on the foot nearest the ball side, two-handed high catch at the highest point, land on both feet, protect the ball.
- Add one passive attacker who runs toward the ball without jumping — GK must claim through contact.
- Progress: attacker is active and jumping for the ball. GK must call KEEPER early enough that the defender steps aside.
- Final progression: full crossing drill from wide positions. Coach serves, GK claims or stays — decision is theirs. Discuss each decision afterward.
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Calling KEEPER early enough that teammates step aside
- Taking off on one foot with two hands — not jumping on two feet which reduces height
- Landing balanced and immediately looking to distribute quickly
Correct when you see
- Not calling and colliding with a defender — every claim needs a call
- Punching when catching was available — catch when you can, punch only when you can't
- Hesitating on the decision to come, arriving too late to claim cleanly
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Goalkeeper Gloves (youth) | Grip and protection for keepers. | Check price → |
| Value | Training Footballs (6-pack) | Shot-stopping reps. | Check price → |
| Upgrade | Agility Ladder | Footwork and reactions. | Check price → |
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