Keeper Out Rush

Objective

• -Play out from a goalkeeper under light pressure
• -Create simple passing angles from the back
• -Support the first pass with good body shape

Setup

1. 1Mark a 24 x 18 yard area with a goal at one end and two mini goals at the other.
2. 2Use a goalkeeper, two defenders, two pressers and the rest as support players on the outside.
3. 3Keep spare balls by the goal for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1Start with the goalkeeper and two defenders in the box against two pressing players.
2. 2The goalkeeper rolls or passes to a defender and the team tries to pass through the area to score in either mini goal.
3. 3Outside players stay on the side lines and can be used as bounce passes.
4. 4If the press wins it, they attack the main goal straight away.
5. 5Rotate roles every two or three minutes so everyone builds from the back.

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

• -Standing flat and square
• -Forcing long passes too early
• -Poor first touch under pressure