By Lawrence Fine, Author of the FineSoccer Coaching Bible.
Welcome to the Goalkeeping Newsletter. Today’s featured activity works on defending breakaways.
Start with a keeper in goal, a server 30 yards out with balls and an attacking player facing the server.
The server passes the ball past the attacker.
The attacker turns and sprints for the ball.
The attacking player has the option of shooting first time.
Or he can dribble in for a breakaway.
Since the attacking player has these options, the keeper wants to try to take control. If he sees a shot coming, he comes off his line and cuts off the angle.
If the keeper can get to the ball first he would clear the ball.
If the attacking player gets to the ball first and then takes a bad touch he can smother the ball.
The server can play the ball in different angles and different paces so the attacker and keeper have to react accordingly.
The other option you have is for the server to chase the ball after playing it which puts more pressure on the attacker and gives the keeper another variable to deal with.
Putting the keeper in a situation where they have to read the play and react accordingly will make it easier when they see these situations in a real game.
Have a great day!
Lawrence
By Lawrence Fine, Author of the FineSoccer Coaching Bible.
