Practice 3: Starting positions

WHY USE IT

This session develops goalkeepers’ ability to manage aerial space, specifically working on their positioning for crosses from the half-space and within the penalty box.

SET-UP

Set up with two full-size goals, roughly 36 yards (two penalty boxes) apart. The area is just narrower than the width of the penalty box, with two markers placed down each side, roughly halfway inside each half. One goalkeeper starts in each goal and outfield players are divided into two teams, starting behind each goal.

HOW TO DO IT

The first two Blues attack the Reds’ goal.

 

The Blue who shoots, regardless of the result, must run around the yellow spot in the attacking half.

 

Once they do, they become the defender for the two Reds, who attack the opposite goal as soon as the Blue takes their shot on goal.

 

If the defence wins possession, the go is over and the next group goes.

 

There are no follow-up shots, even if the goalkeeper makes a save but pushes the ball back into play. There is only one shot allowed per attack.

 

Each player goes four times and must go at full intensity.

 

The goalkeepers remain in the exercise for the duration and rotate out at the completion of the round.

Progression: The non-shooting player can become the recovering defender, or you can play 3v2 rather than 2v1.

COACHING POINTS

• Coaches should encourage the goalkeepers to consider their positioning and balance.
• The goalkeepers should attack the ball, be decisive and offer a loud call.
• Work on the goalkeepers cleanly holding the ball where possible, as well as recovering to goal and ensuring any deflections are placed into safe areas (e.g. wide of the goal, not down the middle).