Near Post Wall

Objective

• -Protect the near post
• -Deal with sharp-angle shots
• -Hold a strong starting position

Setup

1. 1Set a goal and mark a shooting lane from the corner of the area.
2. 2One goalkeeper starts in goal.
3. 3One shooter stands in the lane with balls.

How to play

1. 1The shooter works from the side and aims for the near post or across the keeper.
2. 2The goalkeeper sets the feet and guards the near side first.
3. 3If the ball is saved, the keeper gathers the rebound or clears it wide.
4. 4Repeat from the same side, then switch to the other.
5. 5Keep the shots low to medium height.

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

• -Leaving the near post exposed
• -Starting too central
• -Fumbling rebounds back into play