Zonal Keepers

Objective

• -Play short passes with a goalkeeper
• -Support the build-up
• -Make good decisions under pressure

Setup

1. 1Set up a square with a mini goal at each side.
2. 2Place one goalkeeper or last player in each goal area.
3. 3Split the rest into two teams around the square.

How to play

1. 1Teams try to keep the ball and pass to their goalkeeper for a point.
2. 2The goalkeeper must control the ball and return it to play.
3. 3If the ball is intercepted, the other team starts from where it went out.
4. 4Limit touches if the group is ready.
5. 5Rotate the goalkeeper roles so several players get a turn.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Passing to the keeper under too much pressure
• -No movement after the pass
• -Poor weight on the return pass