Wide Channel Goalkeeper Distribution Zones

Objective

• -Distribute accurately with feet and hands
• -Pick the right option under a time limit
• -Support the team's build-up from the back

Setup

1. 1A goal with three scoring target zones marked upfield in a 46 x 36 yards area.
2. 2Mark five-yard channels down both touchlines with flat cones.
3. 3A supply of balls in the goal, bibs for target players.

How to play

1. 1Coach calls a zone and the keeper distributes into it.
2. 2Alternate between rolled, driven and clipped deliveries.
3. 3Add a pressing forward for the final block.
4. 4The practice is started by a pass into one of the wide channels.
5. 5End actions only count when the ball has travelled through a wide channel first.

Progressions

• +Defender allowed into the channel to make it live
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Channel is a free zone with no defender at all
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch the ball to the far channel before the end action
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Same distribution every time
• -Slow release letting the press set
• -Everything funnelling into a crowded middle