Goalkeeper 1v1: spread and smother

Setup

1. A goal and a 25 × 25 m channel in front of it, on soft grass.
2. Attackers queue at the top of the channel, a ball each.
3. Safety rule: once the keeper is down, attackers pull out or jump clear. No follow-through.

How it runs

1. A1 dribbles at goal and tries to score; GK plays 1v1.
2. The rep ends on a goal, a save, or the ball leaving the channel.
3. The next attacker starts from the other side. 8 reps, then swap keepers.

Coaching points

• Close the distance while the ball is off the attacker's foot; set as they are about to touch it.
• Stay up and big as long as you can. Don't go down early.
• Spread: go down side-on, long body, arms up, covering as much goal as you can.
• Smother: hands first to the ball, head behind the arms, body side-on. Never head first into feet.

Common mistakes

• Rushing out and diving head first at the attacker's feet.
• Going down too early, so the attacker chips it or goes round.
• Staying on the line and giving the attacker the whole goal.