Throw and Volley Distribution to Target Zones
Goalkeeper distribution drill: after receiving from the coach, a quick overarm throw to the near flank and a long volley into a marked zone deep in the pitch.
Step 1Recepción
1 / 3
El entrenador juega el balón al portero, que lo recibe en posición base.
Objective
Improve the accuracy and speed of the goalkeeper's distribution by hand and by volley into specific areas of the pitch.
Organisation
Half pitch with a full-size goal. One goalkeeper, a coach with a supply of balls 10 m from goal and two receiving team-mates: one on the flank about 30 m away (zone 1) and one near the centre circle about 45 m away (zone 2). Each zone is marked with cones as a 10x10 m square.
Development
- 1The coach plays a ball along the ground or at mid height to the goalkeeper, who receives it in the set position.
- 2The goalkeeper takes two or three steps towards the edge of the goal area and delivers a firm, low overarm throw to the team-mate in zone 1 on the flank.
- 3The coach immediately hands over a second ball.
- 4The goalkeeper releases the ball and strikes a volley or half-volley towards the team-mate in zone 2 near the centre circle.
- 5The receivers dribble the balls back to the coach and the sequence restarts.
- 6Every 6 repetitions the zones switch sides to work both profiles. Count the deliveries that land inside each square.
Coaching points4
- On the throw, the arm travels through a long arc and the ball arrives low or at chest height for the receiver.
- Step forward with the foot opposite to the throwing arm and point the shoulders at the target.
- On the volley, release the ball at hip height and strike with the laces, body leaning slightly forward.
- Look up before releasing the ball to pick the target.
Common mistakes3
- A looping throw that arrives slowly and lets the receiver get pressed.
- Tossing the ball too high on the volley and losing control of the strike.
- Kicking without looking and sending the ball outside the marked zone.
Variations3
- Replace the volley with a short goal kick followed by a long pass from the ground.
- The coach calls out the zone just as the goalkeeper receives the ball.
- Place a passive opponent in front of each receiver to force an adjusted trajectory.
Progressions2
- The receivers move inside their zone and the goalkeeper must read the run before delivering.
- Add a third zone on the opposite flank for a long overarm throw.
Regressions2
- Enlarge the zones to 15x15 m and bring the zone 2 receiver closer.
- Strike the volley from a dead ball on the ground with the team-mate closer.
Tips
- Keep a record of hits per zone so the goalkeeper can see progress week by week.
- Use balls of different weights early on to develop feel for the strike.