Small-Sided Games

5v5 With Keepers

Play a realistic game with goalkeepers

Small-Sided Games
Goalkeeping
Finishing

Play a realistic game with goalkeepers. Set up the area, follow the steps and use the coaching points below.

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Small-Sided Games
Goalkeeping
Finishing
Small-Sided Game
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Foundation Phase
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed

Age

Under 8 to Adults

Duration

20 min

Players

10-14

Area / pitch size

45 x 30 yards

Difficulty

Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced

Equipment

Balls, Cones, Bibs, Full Goals

Coaching focus

Play a realistic game with goalkeepers

Objective

  • -Play a realistic game with goalkeepers
  • -Build from the back and finish
  • -Practise all the phases in one game

Setup

  1. 1A 45 x 30 pitch with a full goal and keeper at each end.
  2. 2Two teams of five outfield.
  3. 3Balls behind both goals.

How to play

  1. 1Play as a match with throw-ins, corners and goal kicks.
  2. 2Five minute games with a break for coaching.
  3. 3Coach may freeze play to make a point.

Coaching points

  • -Use the keeper as an extra player
  • -Create width and depth in possession
  • -Press together after losing the ball

Progressions

  • +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
  • +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
  • +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
  • +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

  • -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
  • -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
  • -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
  • -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

  • -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
  • -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
  • -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
  • -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
  • -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
  • -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
  • -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
  • -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

  • -Ignoring the keeper in build-up
  • -Playing too narrow
  • -Individuals pressing alone

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