Counter Goalkeeper One-v-One Spread

Objectives

• -Deal with strikers running through on goal
• -Time the moment to close the angle
• -Make a big, safe blocking shape

How to set it up

1. 1Mark out the working area at 32 x 26 yards. Put a cone on each corner so the boundary is obvious to the players.
2. 2A goal with an attacker start cone 25 yards out in a 32 x 26 yards area.
3. 3Place two mini goals on the halfway line for the counter-attacking side to aim at.
4. 4Balls with the attackers.
5. 5Place the goals before you start and check the run-off behind them is clear and safe.
6. 6Kit for this practice: Balls, Cones, Full Goals. Keep a supply of spare balls beside the coach so a lost ball never stops the practice.
7. 7Split 2-10 players into two groups working at the same time, and swap the groups over halfway through.
8. 8Set the area up before the players arrive, then walk them through the shape once at a jog before the first live repetition.

How to run it, step by step

1. 1Get the players into position and walk the first repetition through slowly so everybody knows where they start and where they go.
2. 2Attacker runs onto a ball and drives at goal.
3. 3The keeper closes the angle then sets before the strike.
4. 4Any rebound stays live until the ball leaves the area.
5. 5The team in possession starts each rep in their own half and must build forwards.
6. 6Turnovers earn a direct counter at the mini goals worth two points.
7. 7After their action each player follows their pass and joins the back of the next line, so everybody rotates through every position in the practice.
8. 8Every repetition finishes with a strike at goal. As soon as the ball leaves the striker's foot the next player starts, so the practice keeps flowing.
9. 9Freeze the practice once or twice per round, make one coaching point to the whole group, then restart immediately.

What each player does

Working player

Takes the repetition: receives, executes the goalkeeping action and finishes the sequence at match pace.

Server

Delivers a consistent, firm ball on the coach's call, then collects a spare ball ready for the next repetition.

Defender

Starts passive and builds to full pressure, staying side on and forcing the working player into their weaker side.

Goalkeeper

Sets before every strike, works the save, then distributes to restart the next attack rather than kicking the ball away.

Waiting players

Stand behind the start cone with a ball ready, watch the repetition in front of them and step in the moment it finishes.

Coach

Stands where the whole picture is visible, serves or calls the start, and makes one clear point per freeze.

Timings and organisation

• -Run 5 rounds of roughly 3 minutes inside the 16 minute slot.
• -Give 45-60 seconds of rest between rounds so the quality of the work stays high, and use that gap for your coaching point.
• -Rotate roles at the end of every round so each player works, serves and defends across the practice.
• -If the practice is too easy, move to a progression rather than adding more repetitions. If players are struggling, drop to a regression for one round and then build back up.

Common mistakes

• -Diving in early
• -Getting caught on the goal line
• -Dribbling into traffic when the counter is on
• -Standing still and watching instead of moving into the next position