Underload 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 24 x 18 yards area.
2. 2Add one extra defender to the working area and mark their start position with a flat cone.
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. 4The attacking group starts a player short, so every entry pass has to be sharp.
5. 5Defenders score a point for every clean turnover; attackers need three clean end actions to win the round.

Progressions

• +Add a second extra defender
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Even the numbers up again
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Attackers get one 'free pass' per round they can call
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Diving in early
• -Getting caught on the goal line
• -Trying to beat two players instead of releasing early