Goalkeeper Build-Up Under Pressure
Goalkeeper footwork drill: directional first touch and a short pass to a free team-mate while a striker presses the first line of the build-up.
Step 1Pase al portero
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El central juega raso al portero y el delantero arranca a presionar por el lado del balón.
Objective
Improve the goalkeeper's directional first touch and passing quality when receiving from a centre-back with an opponent pressing.
Organisation
Penalty area with a full-size goal. One goalkeeper, two centre-backs (blue) 12 m from goal on each side, one pressing striker (red) and a coach observing. Two cones mark the goalkeeper's support zone and two mini-goals 30 m away represent the full-backs.
Development
- 1The right-sided centre-back has the ball and, on the coach's signal, plays a firm ground pass to the goalkeeper.
- 2As soon as the pass is played, the striker presses the goalkeeper from the ball side, trying to close the return pass to that same centre-back.
- 3The goalkeeper takes a directional first touch with the foot furthest from the opponent, moving out of the pressure zone towards the free side.
- 4With the second touch, the goalkeeper passes to the opposite centre-back, who receives on the open side and links with the mini-goal that represents the full-back.
- 5Repeat, alternating the starting side and the striker's pressing angle. Each set is 6-8 repetitions.
Coaching points4
- Open body shape before receiving: hips facing the free side so the opponent and both centre-backs are in view.
- First touch with the foot furthest from the presser and forward, never back towards your own goal.
- Firm ground pass to the team-mate's far foot to make the next action easier.
- Read the striker's run: if the press comes in a straight line, decide before the ball arrives.
Common mistakes3
- Receiving square on to the goal and having to turn under pressure.
- Controlling the ball too close to the body and losing the passing window.
- Watching only the ball and ignoring the striker's position.
Variations3
- The coach signals the pressing side with a hand just before the pass to force the read.
- The goalkeeper must play one touch if the striker arrives before the ball reaches their feet.
- Add a second striker who closes the free centre-back, forcing a long ground pass to the mini-goal.
Progressions2
- Two strikers pressing in a coordinated way and a blue midfielder as a third passing option.
- Play the outlet pass with the weaker foot.
Regressions2
- The striker presses at half pace without actually winning the ball.
- Play without pressure and let the goalkeeper choose the free side from the coach's cue.
Tips
- Count completed passes per set to add competition.
- Rotate the striker every two sets to keep the pressing intensity high.