Sweeper Keeper Back Pass Practice

Objective

• -Receive and play under pressure as the spare player
• -Judge when to play short and when to go long
• -Sweep up balls in behind the defence

Setup

1. 1Full goal with keeper and a back three.
2. 2Two pressing forwards in bibs.
3. 3Two outlet targets on the halfway line.

How to play

1. 1Defenders pass back to the keeper who plays out under press.
2. 2If the press blocks the short pass the keeper goes long to a target.
3. 3Every third serve the coach plays a ball in behind for the keeper to sweep.

Progressions

• +Add a third presser
• +Two touch maximum for the keeper

Regressions

• -Passive pressers who jog
• -Allow unlimited touches

Variations

• -Points for reaching a target unopposed
• -Add a goalkeeper duel: winner keeps the ball

Common mistakes

• -Taking a touch straight into pressure
• -Panicking and hitting it out of play
• -Staying rooted on the line when the ball goes in behind