Practice: Improving goalkeeper distribution

WHY USE IT

Enables goalkeepers to practice a variety of different passing techniques over different distances and angles.

Set-up

Use half a pitch. The goalkeeper works in a goal area relative to the age and ability of the individual. Place three mannequins outside of the penalty area.

Four servers/receivers - who can be other goalkeepers who rotate, coaches or spare outfield players - are positioned in a staggered fashion up to the halfway line. The goalkeeper has a supply of balls next to the goal.

HOW it works

The goalkeeper passes to server 1, who in return passes back to the goalkeeper. They then control the ball and pass to server 2. This is repeated to all four servers in number order.

PROGRESSION

An attacker can be added to apply pressure to the goalkeeper and the server/receivers as they move the ball between them. The goalkeeper can now move the ball randomly to the different servers/receivers, depending on the pressure applied by the attacker.

COACHING POINTS

• Goalkeeper support: depth, distance and angle of position.
• Goalkeeper control/touch: one touch pass/more than one touch.
• Goalkeeper repositioning after pass: same side/inside/opposite side.
• Passing technique from the floor: side foot, drill, wedge, lofted, driven.
• Passing technique from the hand: volley, half-volley, side volley, dribble and drive.
• Communication: who, when, how, why, information and instruction.
• Play out, play round, play through, play into, play onto, play beyond.
• Speed of thought, movement and action.