Coming Out to a Loose Ball After a Through Pass
Match-realistic goalkeeper drill: a pass in behind the defensive line, a striker's run and the goalkeeper's decision to come out, win the loose ball and distribute quickly.
Step 1Pase a la espalda
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El entrenador juega en profundidad; el delantero arranca y el defensa gira para perseguir.
Objective
Improve the goalkeeper's reading and speed when coming out to through balls, and the decision to come or stay depending on the defenders' position.
Organisation
Quarter pitch with a full-size goal. One goalkeeper, two defenders forming the last line about 20 m from goal, a striker between them and a coach with balls 33 m out. Two cones mark the defensive line and an 11x18 m zone in front of the goal area marks the goalkeeper's coming-out space.
Development
- 1The goalkeeper starts in the set position in the centre of the goal, 2-3 m off the line, watching the coach.
- 2The coach plays a through ball behind the defenders into the marked zone; the striker sprints for the ball and the nearest defender turns to chase.
- 3The goalkeeper reads the path of the pass and decides: if the ball can be reached before the striker, they come out decisively and win it on the ground with the body behind the ball.
- 4If the pass is short and the defender arrives first, the goalkeeper stays and tells the defender to clear or play back.
- 5After winning the ball, the goalkeeper gets up quickly and throws to the free defender on the opposite side.
- 6Perform 8 repetitions, varying the weight and direction of the pass so that not every run requires the goalkeeper to come out.
Coaching points4
- Advanced starting position with the weight forward to reduce reaction time.
- Decide early and clearly: a half-hearted decision to come out is the most dangerous option.
- Win the ball with both hands and protect it with the body, or clear with the foot if the striker arrives at the same time.
- Communicate clearly with the defender: 'keeper' or 'clear'.
Common mistakes3
- Coming out late after hesitating and arriving at the ball at the same time as the striker.
- Coming out for every ball without checking the defender's position.
- Winning the ball and staying on the ground instead of starting the distribution.
Variations3
- The coach plays a lofted pass so the goalkeeper deals with a bouncing ball.
- Two strikers make the run and the goalkeeper decides with fewer references.
- The defender arrives in time or not depending on a prior signal from the coach that the goalkeeper cannot see.
Progressions2
- After the goalkeeper comes out, the striker presses the distribution and the goalkeeper must find the second defender.
- Increase the pass distance to 40 m and play it from the flank.
Regressions2
- Remove the striker and work only on coming out to the ball followed by distribution.
- The coach announces whether the pass will be long or short so the goalkeeper practises both responses.
Tips
- Record the number of correct decisions per set, not only the balls won.
- Remember the aim is to read the situation, not always to come out: reward good decisions to stay as well.