Keeper And Centre

Objective

• -Link the goalkeeper with centre backs and midfield
• -Improve decision making on short and longer options
• -Create clear build-up channels through the middle

Setup

1. 1Make a 30 x 20 yard channel with a goal at one end.
2. 2Put the keeper, two centre backs and one midfielder in the channel.
3. 3Use two pressers to start and a couple of support players wide.

How to play

1. 1The keeper starts every attack by playing to a centre back or the midfielder.
2. 2The team must make three passes before they can go through the target gate or mini goal.
3. 3The press tries to block the middle and force a mistake wide.
4. 4If the press wins the ball, they have one quick attempt to score.
5. 5Rotate the midfield and pressing roles every few minutes.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -No central support
• -Playing the first pass into danger
• -Standing flat in line