Save and Fast Counter-Attack With a Throw to the Flank
Goalkeeper transition drill: after the save, a quick overarm throw to the winger breaking into the flank, with a striker pressing the distribution.
Step 1Tiro y parada
1 / 3
El entrenador golpea desde la frontal y el portero detiene y retiene el balón.
Objective
Speed up the goalkeeper's defence-to-attack transition: from the save to a fast, accurate throw to the free team-mate on the flank.
Organisation
Half pitch with a full-size goal. One goalkeeper, a coach shooting from 12 m, a winger (blue) starting level with the box, an attacking midfielder (blue) 35 m out and an opposing striker (red) who presses after the shot. A 16x10 m zone on the flank, marked with cones, is the winger's receiving space.
Development
- 1The coach shoots from the edge of the box; the goalkeeper saves and holds the ball in the set position.
- 2As soon as the ball is secured, the winger sprints diagonally into the receiving zone on the flank and the opposing striker runs to press the goalkeeper.
- 3The goalkeeper gets up, takes two steps out of the goal area and delivers a firm, low overarm throw to the winger before the press arrives.
- 4The winger controls on the run, drives inside and combines with the attacking midfielder, who moves towards the opposite flank.
- 5The move ends with a pass into the finishing zone or a shot at a distant mini-goal.
- 6Perform 6 repetitions per side; then the winger and the receiving zone switch flanks.
Coaching points4
- Know where the winger is before the save: afterwards, the eyes look for the team-mate, not the ground.
- Get up with the ball at the chest and step towards the target while preparing the throw.
- Firm, low throw into the space ahead of the winger so the run does not slow down.
- If the press arrives first, change the decision: throw to the other flank or go long, never force it.
Common mistakes3
- Holding the ball on the ground or getting up slowly after the save.
- Throwing too high to the flank, allowing the defence to reorganise.
- Throwing quickly but without looking, into a space the team-mate has already left.
Variations3
- The coach shoots low or at mid height to one side so the save involves going to ground.
- Two wingers break to opposite flanks and the goalkeeper picks the free one based on the striker's position.
- The distribution is made with the foot from the ground if the goalkeeper stops the ball outside the goal area.
Progressions2
- Add an opposing defender chasing the winger to demand more accuracy and speed on the throw.
- Chain two shots: the goalkeeper only distributes after the second, with the winger waiting for the cue.
Regressions2
- Remove the pressing striker and let the goalkeeper distribute without a time limit.
- Bring the winger in to 20 m and work only on throwing accuracy.
Tips
- Count the seconds between the save and the throw out loud to make the speed target visible.
- Reinforce communication: the winger must call for the ball with voice and arm.