Match moments / Set pieces
Our goal kick
In 5v5 and 7v7 the other team must wait in its own half at our goal kick, until the ball is in play. That is time to set up and pass it out, not a reason to kick it long.
In the match
- Decision 1Full-back
- Decision 2Keeper
- Decision 3Midfielder
You are 2, one of our two defenders.
Where do you go?
Play the build-up, then choose.
Best choice
Wide and apart, our two defenders are hard for their players to close down together, and the keeper has two clear passes.
It can work
It is an easy pass, but when their players come forward, you are both in the same small space.
Costly
The keeper has nobody short to pass to and has to kick it long.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are our keeper.
Our defenders are wide. How do you take it?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
In mini-soccer you can take the goal kick from anywhere in the area. Putting the ball on 2's side makes the pass short and safe.
It can work
It gets it away, but their players are waiting in their half and usually win it.
Costly
There is no rush: they have to wait in their half. Hurrying means passing to a teammate who is not ready.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 8.
2 has the ball and their player is coming. What do you do?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
On an angle, you can see 2 and the pitch ahead. The pass goes past the player pressing, and you can turn forward.
It can work
It gives 2 a forward option, but the pass is long and hard for a young defender.
Costly
A pass to you goes backwards, closer to our goal.
How you know it is happening
- The ball has gone over our goal line off one of their players.
- Their team goes back into their own half.
- Our keeper has the ball.
Why it works
The retreat line exists so young players learn to play out. Once the ball is in play their players can come, so the shape matters before the kick: two defenders wide, one in the middle, and a calm, short pass.
The tactics behind it
Your job, by position
- GKGoalkeeper
- Take your time. Put the ball on the side you are passing to.
- Pass along the ground, firmly.
- FBFull-back and wing-back
- Split wide, level with the edge of the box.
- CMCentral midfielder
- Show on an angle in the middle.
- STStriker
- Stay high, so their players have to watch you.
How to explain it
- Explain the rule: they wait in their half until the ball is in play.
- Praise a good pass out, even when it goes wrong later.
On the training pitch
- With a friendReceive on the half-turnThe technique underneath it, with one friend.
- The practicePlaying out from the goalkeeperThe same decision, over and over, with a little pressure.
- The gameThe gameA small-sided game set up so the moment keeps happening.
Set the game up so it keeps happening
- Every restart is a goal kick with a retreat line.
- A point for every time we get past halfway with a pass.
Three things to say
- Wide, wide, middle.
- No rush.
- Pass on the side you are on.
On Saturday
Tick them off on the day. Nothing is saved: print the page if you want to keep it.
After the whistle
Ask yourself
- Did you get wide for the goal kick?
What to look back on
- Did we rush any goal kicks?