Goalkeeper in the build-up

Setup

1. A keeper (GK) in goal, three attackers (A1–A3) and two pressers (D1–D2) in one half.
2. The coach stands at halfway with the balls and feeds A1 to start each go.
3. Two cone gates on halfway are the attackers' targets.

How it runs

1. D1 presses A1, who plays back to GK.
2. GK controls and plays out with their feet within 4 seconds, away from the press.
3. After that, the attackers can't play it back to GK in this half until a presser has touched it.
4. Attackers score by dribbling through a gate. Pressers score by winning it and shooting.
5. Ten goes, then swap the pressers.

Coaching points

• GK: open your body before the ball arrives so you can see both sides.
• Control with the sole or the inside of the foot, out of your feet, then pass.
• Count in your head: four seconds in your own half, then it's a free kick to the other team.
• Play away from the presser, to the side they've come from.
• Outfield players: once GK has played it, find an angle that doesn't need GK.
• GK: talk early, 'time' or 'man on', and ask for it only when it's safe.

Common mistakes

• GK taking a heavy first touch towards their own goal.
• Passing back to GK a second time before an opponent has touched the ball.
• GK holding it too long and losing it on the 4-second count.
• Playing back to GK with a presser on the line of the pass.