Transitions: react to change in possession

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

This practice uses a full-size goal and a smaller goal placed at a perpendicular angle on the edge of the six-yard box. A goalkeeper starts in each goal.

Place two mannequins (or poles) on the edge of the six-yard box to act as obstacles for the goalkeepers – these can be at an angle. Two more players or coaches are required to deliver into the box.

HOW TO DO IT

A server starts by delivering a ball into the penalty area from a wide position (1). Either goalkeeper can come and claim the ball. Whichever goalkeeper doesn’t claim the ball will then receive a shot from another player, just inside the penalty box (2). If neither goalkeeper claims the original cross, this player can shoot at either goal.

Progression: Round two will have the original serve into the box arriving from the half-space (3).

COACHING POINTS

• Coaches should encourage the goalkeepers to consider their positioning and balance for the cross and subsequent shot.

• The goalkeeper should attack the ball, be decisive and offer a loud call.

• Work on the goalkeeper 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).

• Goalkeepers will also have to make decisions regarding when to catch and when to punch.