Football · Goalkeeping · Build-up play

Goalkeeper playing out under pressure

The keeper and three teammates play out against two pressers and score by passing through a gate to a target player on halfway.

GKB1B2MTF1F2C
Start / 5
Time
18 min
Players
7–10
Age
U16+
Area
Half pitch
Equipment
1 goal10 balls2 cones3 bibs

Setup

  1. Half a pitch with a full goal. A 10 m cone gate on halfway, with T behind it.
  2. GK in goal; B1 and B2 split wide at the edge of the box, M in front of them.
  3. F1 and F2 in bibs press. C starts each rep with spare balls beside the goal.

How it runs

  1. C passes to B1 or B2, who must play it back to GK to start.
  2. GK's team plays out: a pass through the gate to T scores 1. If F1 or F2 win it, they shoot at goal.
  3. GK may go long to T, but only when every short option is closed.
  4. Reps of 90 s. Swap the pressers every two reps.

Coaching points

  • Scan before the ball arrives; know where the free player is.
  • First touch away from the presser, onto the open side.
  • Pass firm along the ground to the free player's far foot.
  • If everything is closed, go long. No risks in front of goal.

Common mistakes

  • Taking the first touch towards the presser.
  • Slow, floated passes that give the press time to recover.
  • Backs standing too close to GK, so one presser covers both.

Say it: “Scan, touch away, pass firm.”

Make it harder

  • Add a third presser.
  • GK is limited to two touches.

Make it easier

  • Pressers walk until GK's first touch.
  • Add a fourth player to GK's team.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.