Drills / Team practice

Playing out from the goalkeeper

The keeper starts with the ball. Defenders split wide to receive. In 5v5 and 7v7 the other team must wait in their own half at goal kicks until the ball is in play, so there is time to play.

Players
7 to 12, including a goalkeeper
Space
Your format's pitch, or half of a bigger one
Kit
A goal, 2 mini goals, cones for the retreat line, balls
Time
15 minutes
Age
Under-8s and older
RETREAT LINEK
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Set up

  • A goal with a keeper at one end, two mini goals at the halfway line.
  • Cones mark the retreat line across halfway. For 5v5 and 7v7 it is the halfway line.
  • 3 defenders plus the keeper against 2 or 3 attackers.

How it works

  1. Every attack starts with the keeper holding the ball.
  2. The attackers start behind the retreat line. They can come forward once the keeper has passed it: the ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.
  3. The defenders score by dribbling or passing into a mini goal.
  4. If the attackers win it, they attack the big goal.

What to work on

  • Defenders: split wide and as deep as the edge of the box, so the keeper has an easy pass.
  • Receive on the half-turn, facing up the pitch.
  • If the attacker comes to you, pass to the free teammate. If not, dribble forward.
  • Keeper: an easy pass to a player who is open is better than a long kick.

Easier

Attackers can only press after the second pass.

Harder

Equal numbers, and no retreat line.

Planning a whole session? The session planner builds one around this kind of practice.

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