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Purpose:

Your goalkeeper can act as an excellent extra defender that can be utilized in much the same way as another playing defender.

Setup:

Place a goalkeeper in the net. Each aspect of this drill will require different players and a slightly different set up. You will need at least two defenders and two forwards.

Execution:

Drill 1: Opposite toss

  1. Getting your goalkeeper involved in setting up a transition, or to help clear the ball from the defensive zone is important. Here’s one way to get your goalkeeper to be the extra defender:
  2. The left defender will bring the ball from the corner up the field level with the penalty box line extended.
  3. An opposing forward will provide slight pressure to simulate a game situation.
  4. The defender will kick the ball into the penalty area to the goalkeeper.
  5. The goalkeeper will control the ball and will sling the ball to the defender on the other side of the field.

Drill 2: Pressure the keeper

  1. In this variation, have the defender pass the ball immediately to the keeper.
  2. Then have a forward quickly pressure the keeper while he or she is trying to make a play.
  3. Have the other defender open so they can unload the ball quickly.

Drill 3: Keeper pass support

  1. The goalkeeper will start with the ball and the defenders will make their way back to provide the pass support.
  2. Once put into play by the goaltender the team will play the ball forward.
  3. Then the coach will toss another ball to the goalkeeper.
  4. The defenders must recognize this and come back for pass support once again.
  5. Add forwards to make this more difficult for defenders.

Coaching Tips:

  • Using the keeper adds another element of transition success to a soccer team. Often what will happen is the forwards and mid-fielders will cheat to one side when a ball is being brought up by a defender. Drill 1 changes the direction quickly and might catch your opponent’s midfield off-guard.
  • Your goalkeeper will experience pressure from one or more forwards during the course of the game when they are handling the ball. Training your keeper to handle the pressure is important and is taught in Drill 2.
  • Drill 3 will help your defensive players and midfielders recognize the need for pass support.

Tips for Younger Athletes:

  • Encourage younger players to always be aware of the goalkeeper’s position and be ready to receive a pass. This will help them develop good habits of constantly looking for support options.
  • Remind younger athletes to communicate clearly with the goalkeeper and their teammates, using simple commands like “keeper,” “pass,” and “open” to coordinate their movements.
  • Teach younger players to stay calm under pressure by practicing these scenarios repeatedly, helping them build confidence in using the goalkeeper as a reliable support.

Tips for Older Athletes:

  • For older players, emphasize the importance of quick decision-making when involving the goalkeeper. They should be able to assess the situation rapidly and decide whether to pass back to the keeper or clear the ball themselves.
  • Instruct experienced players to work on their passing accuracy, both to and from the goalkeeper. Precise passes can prevent turnovers and keep the team in control during high-pressure situations.
  • Encourage older athletes to develop a good understanding of spatial awareness. They should know where the open spaces are and how to position themselves to receive a pass from the goalkeeper, even when under intense pressure from opponents.
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