By Josh Jones-Keen -
I have recently attended the FA’s Goal Keeper Conference at St George’s Park. Over the weekend many topics were discussed and session plans shared, this one caught my eye. I’ve been lucky enough to work with Keepers who love the ball at their feet but a lot of Keepers, at all ages, that haven’t been taught correctly often ‘Get Rid’ of the ball at any chance. This game invites them to be part of the attacking team and they can see how they can affect the game to create chances.
The objective is to use the Keeper to create chances, this might mean adding a rule in stating that to score a goal the team’s Keeper must have a touch first.
Attacking players cannot enter the end zone unless their team is in possession; this means no closing down the Keeper!
Progression
- Off sides no apply in the end zones
- Teams can score without going through the Keeper however if they do go through the Keeper and score it’s worth 3!
Progression 2
Out of possession teams can now send one player to close down the Keeper. The Keeper must decide when to play, when to dribble or when to be safe.
Coaching Points
- Good, clear communication
- Correct body shape
- Good positioning, wide of the post
- Correct passing technique
- Reading of the game, who is best to pass to and why
By Josh Jones-Keen - Josh has been coaching Goalkeepers for over a decade & has both Outfield and Goalkeeper coaching awards from England and Scotland. He’s coached at a number of levels from grassroots to semipro and currently coaches non league Women’s team as well as a local academy.
