Keeper's Corner

Objective

• -Help the goalkeeper command set pieces
• -Practise catching, punching and organising
• -Build clear communication with defenders

Setup

1. 1Place a goalkeeper in goal with four defenders and a few attackers.
2. 2Mark a corner delivery area and a small box around the six-yard area.
3. 3Use cones to show starting positions for defenders and attackers.
4. 4Keep the coach at the corner with spare balls.

How to play

1. 1The coach serves a corner into the area.
2. 2The goalkeeper must call, move and decide whether to catch or punch.
3. 3Defenders protect space and block attackers from the keeper.
4. 4After the delivery, play stops and the keeper resets the line.
5. 5Repeat with different flight and pace of service.

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

• -Late decision-making
• -Silent defending
• -Standing on the line too long