High-ball claim through mannequins and distribution to a colour (Schalke 04)
Schalke 04 U19 session: the keeper claims two high balls in the six-yard box surrounded by six mannequins, breaks forward and rolls or throws to the mannequin whose colour the coach calls; the accuracy decides how many shots follow.
El portero 2 lanza el balón alto al área pequeña; el portero 1 busca el camino entre los maniquíes y bloca arriba.
Objective
Link an aerial claim in a crowded box with an immediate transition and accurate distribution, staying switched on to react to the shots that follow.
Organisation
Full-size goal with six mannequins spread in front of the goal and the six-yard box, each identified with a coloured bib or cone. Keeper 1 active in goal. Keepers 2 and 3 either side of the goal by the byline with a supply of balls. Keeper 4 on the penalty spot with balls. With fewer than four keepers, work on one side only and the coach takes the roles of keepers 2 and 4.
Development
- 1Keeper 2 launches two consecutive high balls into the six-yard box; keeper 1 finds the most direct route through the mannequins, jumps and claims both at the highest point.
- 2After the second claim keeper 1 runs forward with the ball in his hands.
- 3The coach calls a colour (for example, blue): keeper 1 must roll or throw the ball to the mannequin of that colour.
- 4Reaction depending on accuracy: hitting the correct mannequin earns two high volleys and one bouncing ball from keeper 4; hitting the wrong mannequin, two high volleys; missing everything, a single volley.
- 5Repeat the sequence with keeper 3 serving from the other side.
- 6Rotate roles between the four keepers regularly; in the throwing variation the penalties become one close-range shot, one bouncing ball and one low shot.
Coaching points4
- Take off on the leg closest to the ball with the other knee raised for protection; arms thrust towards the ball.
- Hands in front of and above the head forming a triangle; shoulders square to the flight of the cross.
- When rolling, lower the centre of gravity and follow through with the arm; when throwing, decisive step with the foot pointing at the target and hip turned towards the throwing arm.
- After the delivery, get straight back into a set position: the punishment arrives immediately.
Common mistakes3
- Going round the mannequins instead of attacking the ball by the shortest route.
- Catching with bent arms and the ball behind the head.
- Distributing without checking the colour and hitting the wrong mannequin.
Variations3
- Overarm throw instead of a roll for more distant targets.
- The coach calls the colour before the second claim to demand memory and anticipation.
- Kicked crosses from the corner instead of hand-served balls to work on real deliveries.
Progressions2
- Add a passive attacker who challenges for the second high ball.
- Replace the target mannequins with keepers who receive and return a pass to link a real build-up.
Regressions2
- One high ball only and targets less than 10 m away.
- Remove two mannequins to clear the path to the ball.
Tips
- Code the mannequins with brightly coloured bibs that are clearly visible from the goal.
- Call the colour clearly just as the keeper lifts his head after the catch.