Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Balls over the top

Screen 1

Balls over the top with 4 GKs

Set up exercise/game, with a 10x10 square around the centre circle. 

Create an offside line/attacking zone with 4 different colour cones 4-8 yards off 18 yard line. 

The square on half way is set up for a 2v1,Ball starts with defedning GK who passes into two attacking GKs, who then are required to play a through ball within 4 passes, through ball has to be first time. The other attacking player then runs onto through ball but can only take first touch once ball is in attacking zone. 

GK is required to come out and deal with through ball accordingly. 

Screen 3

Coaching points: 

Start position in relation to the ball. (the biggest coaching point for this exercise) Where the GK starts in relation to the ball will dictate what he/she is able to do, whether or not they are able to come clear or drop in and get ready for a save. 

The GK should look to start on their front foot in a ready position , with a mindset to come. If the ball starts in the other half the GK can start anywhere between the penalty spot and the edge of the D depending on the size of the pitch, ablity of players on the ball and speed of the GK.

The GK is required to judge the speed of the ball and the speed of the attackers run, and decide who can get to the ball first. If it is the GK then , depending where the ball is played, a big loud call of KEEPERS! and either a pick up or smother (inside box) or control and pass to defender in square, or clearance is required. 

(Coach should encourage a variety of Service, some along ground some in air, some bouncing. Allow situations for GK to have to catch , head and kick ball clear. try and get service to bounce as close to 18yrd line as possible to encourage these situations)

Warm up activities should include long kicking and controlling the ball with feet/ body.  Fun warm up activity could be Head Catch game. 

Game where coach throws ball to goalkeeper and calls out either Head or Catch and GK is required to do the opposite.