Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Playing In Behind integrating GK Breaking Lines

GK Technical Session (15 mins)

Mechanics

• Focus on the ball with an open body - see ball and area / players
• Assess the flight - stay or go
• Communicate clearly,loudly and early - keepers or away!!
• Use appropriate footwork in preparation to jump - small steps - step,step,jump
• Aim to take off on one leg - leg nearest the goal, other knee should be up to gain extra height / momentum and for protection purposes
• Catch / punch the ball at the GK highest point - decision to catch or punch and if catch,what technque - W, cup or scoop?

Key Factors

• Starting position in relation to ball - prepare for shot or cross. Outside width of 18yd box (box 1) GK would generally be middle of the goal as is more likely to face a cross either front or back post. Inside the 18yd box but towards edge of 18yd box (box 2) GK will generally need to prepare for a shot but also be on front foot in case it is played across goal for another player running in. Inside the 18yd box towards goal line (box 3) GK will come towards front post and defend an imaginary goal from front post to 6yd line.
• Judge the flight of ball
• Catch the ball at highest point
• W technique mainly to be used, and hold ball
• May have option for the long barrier or scoop or cup
• Recovery runs towards middle of goal

Organisation

• Two GK taking in turns in goal with one server either side of the pitch initially serving three crosses each  from box 1. GK initially deals with cross and returns ball to server. Change GK and repeat.
• Coaching position will vary between behind the goal and the side of the goal depending on what is being observed. Coaching feedback / interventions will be concurrent, what / how based questions and brief to allow ball roll time. Coach to ensure demo's are clearly seen and heard by GK.
• Servers then deliver again this time from box 2 and then from box 3 with GK rotating after three crosses from both sides of the pitch.
• Progression - servers deliver again in the same order but this time the GK is encouraged to start a counter attack by breaking lines to one of the wingers (goal A and C) or to a holding midfielder (goal B).

GK Skill Session (15 mins)

Key Factors

• Starting position in relation to ball - prepare for shot or cross. Outside width of 18yd box (box 1) GK would generally be middle of the goal as is more likely to face a cross either front or back post. Inside the 18yd box but towards edge of 18yd box (box 2) GK will generally need to prepare for a shot but also be on front foot in case it is played across goal for another player running in. Inside the 18yd box towards goal line (box 3) GK will come towards front post and defend an imaginary goal from front post to 6yd line.
• Judge the flight of ball
• Catch the ball at highest point
• W technique mainly to be used, and hold ball
• May have option for the long barrier or scoop or cup
• Recovery runs towards middle of goal

Organisation

• Coaching position will vary between behind the goal and the side of the goal depending on what is being observed. Coaching feedback will be concurrent and what / how based questions.
• Servers deliver again in the same order but this time the GK is encouraged to start a counter attack by breaking lines to one of the wingers (goal A and C) or to a holding midfielder (goal B)
• We now add in 3 defenders to build game realism and decision making. If the GK feels he can deal with the cross he should call 'Keepers' early and loud. If the defenders can deal with the cross the GK should call away plus the player should state name as he attempts clearance. GK and defenders should look to clear / distribute to one of the three goals.

Playing In Behind SSG (40 mins)

Key Factors

• Half pitch SSG in which players are asked to utilise what they have been learning in this session. Do they play with heads up and look to break lines? Do they make unselfish runs that allow play in behind? Body angle allows forward passing? Look for forward / angled passes? Maintain possession if forward passes not possible? Narrow up out of possession and apply pressure to the passer? Look to create overloads - 2v1s? Can the GK be involved in breaking lines?

Organisation

• Teams play in half pitch with GK now included. Teams have a half attacking the large goal and a half attacking the poled goal. Both teams are encouraged to look to break lines to unbalance the opposition defence and play in behind where possible. Players are encouraged to make unselfish runs / angled runs and well timed runs to allow for playing in behind.
• Both teams are initially only allowed in the final third if they are running onto a through ball and defenders can follow.
• Teams host their own brief team talk at half time to discuss tactics.
• Same game is played in both halves of the pitch to ensure plenty of ball rolling time for all players and makes game realistic for a large group.
• Same progressions as in skill game - 2 goals for a successful pass made in 3 passes or under and 1 goal awarded for maintaining possession for 5 passes.