Goal kicks: 5+keeper build-up against 4 with a pressing line
Playing-out game from goal kicks: the red team (five players plus the keeper) must reach an end zone with the ball under control while four blues, starting behind a yellow line, press as soon as the keeper puts the ball in play.
El portero saca corto al central; en cuanto el balón está en juego, el azul cruza la línea amarilla y presiona.
Objective
Use the keeper as the extra player (third man) to beat the press after a goal kick: triangles with the centre-backs, switches of play and a first touch away from pressure.
Organisation
Half pitch with the full-size goal. Yellow line marked with cones about 26 m from goal; red end zone 6 m deep marked by the halfway line. Red team: keeper, two centre-backs on the edges of the box, two high and wide full-backs and a pivot. Blue team: four pressers waiting behind the yellow line. Three-minute rounds with role rotation.
Development
- 1The red keeper always starts with a goal kick; the blues cannot cross the yellow line until the ball is in play.
- 2As soon as the ball is played, the blues press aggressively, cutting passing lanes and forcing play towards the touchline.
- 3The reds build with triangles between keeper and centre-backs, use the keeper as a bounce player to switch play, and the full-backs stay high and wide while the pivot shows on the half-turn.
- 4Point to the reds for entering the end zone with the ball under control; point to the blues for winning the ball and scoring in the main goal.
- 5After every action restart with a new goal kick; after three minutes rotate so the blues build with the same or another keeper.
- 6Regulate the difficulty by removing or adding a presser, moving the yellow line or changing the size of the zones.
Coaching points4
- The keeper is the free player: always offer a supporting angle different from the centre-back on the ball.
- Oriented first touch away from the opponent and open body to see the far side.
- When the centre-back is pressed, play back to the keeper to draw the press and switch with a firm pass.
- The keeper's passes need composure and pace: look before receiving.
Common mistakes3
- Keeper flat, on the same line as the centre-back in possession.
- Playing back to the keeper without having drawn a single opponent.
- Automatic long ball at the first presser without assessing the short option.
Variations3
- Demand a minimum of four passes before entering the end zone.
- Blues score in two mini goals on the edges of the box instead of the main goal.
- Compulsory short goal kick (inside the box) for the whole round.
Progressions2
- Add a fifth presser or remove the yellow line.
- Shrink the zones and limit outfield players to two touches.
Regressions2
- Remove a presser and move the yellow line further away.
- Blues press passively during the first round.
Tips
- Mark the end zone with clearly visible red cones so the build-up has an obvious target.
- Count the points out loud: it turns playing out into a competition.