Transition Goalkeeper One-v-One Spread

Objective

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

Setup

1. 1A goal with an attacker start cone 25 yards out in a 32 x 26 yards area.
2. 2Mark a second target area at the opposite end so the practice can flip direction instantly.
3. 3Balls with the attackers.

How to play

1. 1Attacker runs onto a ball and drives at goal.
2. 2The keeper closes the angle then sets before the strike.
3. 3Any rebound stays live until the ball leaves the area.
4. 4Coach serves a loose ball into the middle and both teams react to win it.
5. 5On every turnover the winning team has six seconds to attack the opposite target.

Progressions

• +Cut the counter window to four seconds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Freeze the play for two seconds after each turnover to reset shape
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Coach can serve a second ball to force an instant re-transition
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Diving in early
• -Getting caught on the goal line
• -Stopping to appeal instead of reacting to the turnover