Back Pass Support Work

Objective

• -Deal with back passes under pressure
• -Support the defence as a footballer
• -Make the right decision at speed

Setup

1. 1Keeper with two defenders in front of the goal.
2. 2One or two pressing forwards.
3. 3Target outlets on both flanks.

How to play

1. 1Defenders pass back to the keeper under pressure.
2. 2Keeper must play out to an outlet or clear long if pressed.
3. 3Ten repetitions then rotate.

Progressions

• +Set Position Check: serve early to shorten the set time
• +Blind Serve: add a deflection off a mannequin
• +Distribution Exit: coach calls the target after the save
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Set Position Check: announce the serve so the keeper can prepare
• -Blind Serve: serve slower and from further out
• -Distribution Exit: one fixed target every time
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Set Position Check — The keeper must be fully set — feet split, hands ready — before every strike.
• -Blind Serve — The keeper starts facing away or with a screen blocking sight of the strike.
• -Distribution Exit — Every save or catch must be followed by a chosen distribution: throw, side-volley or pass to a full-back.
• -Handling Volume — Ten unbroken repetitions per set with clean handling — a drop means the set restarts.
• -1v1 Situation — A live attacker runs onto the ball, so the keeper must decide to close, hold or spread.
• -Cross Claiming — Serves come as crosses from both sides with a passive attacker in the six yard box.
• -Fatigue Finish — Finish each set with three saves in ten seconds to work handling under fatigue.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Standing flat behind the ball
• -Taking too many touches
• -Panicked clearance out of play