Clever keeper distribution

This session is about keeper distribution and retaining possession by building play from the back. It mimics short passes to centre-backs and midfield players, low driven and chipped passes to full-backs and wide midfielders, and longer passes to centre-forwards and wide attackers (through half-volleys and volleys).

At Sunderland, the keeper is deemed to have a major involvement in the style of football we try to play, so practices directly involving him in team attacks are very important. While prompting outfield movement, the session quickly improves the keeper’s technical skill, widens his range of passing ability, improves awareness and lessens the risk of him losing possession. We’ll rotate keepers throughout the session.

What do I get the players to do?

Small goals practice

We set up as shown (1) and begin with a pass into keeper 1. The practice is maximum three touches and the ball cannot touch a mannequin or the practice is restarted.

1

We now repeat this process six times ensuring the keeper switches between left and right sides (thus left and right feet).

How do I progress the session?

To progress we’ll ask keeper 2 to press the receiving keeper after the one-two with the rebound board (2). Keeper 1 must still look to find space to pass into the small goal.

2

Five-a-side goals practice

Now we change the set-up (3a). The receiving keeper plays a one-two with the rebound board, then chips or clips a pass over the poles and into the half-size goal.

3a

Again, repeat on both sides (3b).

3b

Three-quarters pitch

Bringing in a third keeper, the one-two with the rebound board leads to the ball being chipped to keeper 3, who is positioned the other side of the poles. This keeper dribbles down the line and sends over a cross that the working keeper has to catch (4a).

4a

He now moves to the edge of the penalty box, rolls the ball out onto the floor, then distributes by using a side volley/half volley into the full goal, which is positioned beyond halfway (4b).

4b

How do I progress the session?

Adding in extra interplay is a good way of progressing, and we’ll also limit the time and touches for keeper 1.

What are the key things to look out for?

The keeper must remain calm and composed in possession of the ball at all times, even when being closed down – this can be practised in a small-sided game situation with the keeper conditioned to using his feet as much as possible and involved in building play from the back. Weight and accuracy of pass – in receiving and feeding out – are imperative,  as is good playing technique. The most common fault is over-hitting passes (either too hard or too high), and panicking under pressure.