1v1 against a striker with seven balls around the D
Seven balls spread around the edge of the D: the striker attacks with one after another and the keeper must come out, smother and get back to touch the goal line before the next attack.
Step 1Entrada del delantero
1 / 3
El delantero recoge el primer balón y entra conduciendo; el portero sale a reducir el espacio.
Objective
Train decisive advancing and smothering at the striker's feet in repeated 1v1s with accumulated fatigue and no time to reorganise.
Organisation
Penalty area with a full-size goal. Seven balls placed along the arc of the D about 3 m apart. One goalkeeper in goal and one striker waiting by the first ball. The remaining strikers wait outside the area to rotate. With two goals back to back (nets removed) two keepers can work at the same time.
Development
- 1The striker collects the first ball from the D and dribbles into the box; the ball is live as soon as it crosses the edge of the area.
- 2The keeper leaves the line and closes the space to smother or win the ball before the striker can shoot.
- 3When the ball leaves play (save, smother, goal or wide), the keeper must sprint back and touch the goal line with a hand.
- 4Meanwhile the striker races to the next ball, collects it and attacks the box again: the keeper has to be set once more.
- 5Repeat until all seven balls are used; count goals and smothers.
- 6Change the striker (and the keeper if there are two) at the end of the round. Three or four rounds per keeper with full recovery in between.
Coaching points4
- Come out decisively while the ball is travelling and stop low when the striker has it under control.
- Smother at the feet with hands in front of the body and a long ground barrier.
- Touch the line and come out again without losing sight of the next ball.
- Stay calm in the last repetitions: the striker is tired too and controls the ball less well.
Common mistakes3
- Coming out too late and facing the 1v1 inside the six-yard box.
- Going to ground early and allowing the dribble.
- Walking back to the line and facing the next attack half set.
Variations3
- Two goals back to back with two keepers and two strikers working at the same time.
- The striker chooses the order of the balls so the direction of attack is unpredictable.
- Balls also spread along the sides of the area to create 1v1s from tight angles.
Progressions2
- Add a recovering defender from the edge of the area who forces the striker to decide earlier.
- Score it: one point to the keeper per smother and one to the striker per goal.
Regressions2
- Reduce to four or five balls and allow the keeper to jog back to the line.
- The striker attacks at medium pace and must shoot before the penalty spot.
Tips
- Place the balls on the arc of the D so the striker always attacks frontally.
- Manage the recovery time between rounds: it is a very demanding exercise.