Box Command

Objective

• -Improve communication from the goalkeeper
• -Organise players around the box
• -Link command with safe dealing of the ball

Setup

1. 1Mark a square with one goal at one side.
2. 2One goalkeeper works in goal with four outfield players inside the square.
3. 3The coach feeds balls and places spare cones outside the area.

How to play

1. 1The coach serves a ball and the goalkeeper deals with the save or cross.
2. 2After each action, the goalkeeper must shout clear instructions to the players around them.
3. 3The outfield players move into new positions when called, such as left, right, near or out.
4. 4Repeat with different services and different commands.
5. 5Keep the group close enough to hear each other.

Progressions

• +Set Position Check: serve early to shorten the set time
• +Blind Serve: add a deflection off a mannequin
• +Distribution Exit: coach calls the target after the save
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Set Position Check: announce the serve so the keeper can prepare
• -Blind Serve: serve slower and from further out
• -Distribution Exit: one fixed target every time
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Set Position Check — The keeper must be fully set — feet split, hands ready — before every strike.
• -Blind Serve — The keeper starts facing away or with a screen blocking sight of the strike.
• -Distribution Exit — Every save or catch must be followed by a chosen distribution: throw, side-volley or pass to a full-back.
• -Handling Volume — Ten unbroken repetitions per set with clean handling — a drop means the set restarts.
• -1v1 Situation — A live attacker runs onto the ball, so the keeper must decide to close, hold or spread.
• -Cross Claiming — Serves come as crosses from both sides with a passive attacker in the six yard box.
• -Fatigue Finish — Finish each set with three saves in ten seconds to work handling under fatigue.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Silence in busy moments
• -Using vague instructions
• -Shouting after the chance has gone