SoccerSpecific.com Session Plan: ss_Latronica_AlicenseGoalkeeping
ACTIVITY #1
Set up: Warm-up: 18 players involved - 8 Red, 8 Yellow and 2
goalkeepers are postioned on a half-pitch as shown in the diagram.
Instructions: Two players to a ball passing and moving freely
throughout the playing area. Players must play the ball into either
goalkeeper when the opportunity arises. Field players vary their
service allowing the GK progression to include dealing with balls
with their feet, driven balls low, medium and high. The last
progressions include playing the ball into the wide channel for a
service or playing your partner into the box for a breakaway.
Coaching Points: The coach is positioned behind one of the
goals. Proper technique dealing with balls at the feet, low,
medium, and high balls flighted in. Clear communication and
effective distribution as the first attacker.
ACTIVITY #2
Set up: Functional: 18 players involved - 8 yellows and 8 reds
with a goalkeeper in each goal. Use half a pitch as shown in the
diagram with two clearly marked penalty areas.
Instructions: Red and yellow players alternate going to goal. As
shown in the diagram, 1 Red has played the ball into the feet of 3
Red who takes a touch and goes to goal. 1 Yellow has played a
thru ball into 3 Yellow creating a 1v1 breakaway to goal. 2 Red
then must play a straight ball into the next 3 Red in line creating a
slightly different situation for the goalkeeper to deal with. 2
Yellow must do the same. Keep the rotation going and make each
of the servers change the pace, location and flight of the ball thus
creating numerous goal scoring opportunities. Defenders could be
added to address tactical organiztion of defenders.
Coaching Points: Shot stopping, breakaways, communication,
starting position, reading the flight/pace of the ball, decision
making of when to go and when to stay.
ACTIVITY #3
Set up: Small sided: 18 players involved. 6v6 plus 4 channel
players are organized on a half-pitch as shown in the diagram, one
goalkeeper is in each goal.
Instructions: Both teams compete for possession of the ball and
attempt to score in their opponents goal. Channel players are
encouraged to deliver crosses into the box at the earliest
opportunity. Possible restrictions include: all players including
the goalkeeper must touch the ball before an attack can begin.
Service from the flank must be quality, manipulate the channel
players to enable plenty of repitition for the goalkeepers.
Encourage crossing and shooting, decision making,
communication and distribution.
Coaching Points: Goalkeepers technical execution of dealing
with crosses, shots etc. Goalkeepers may find the deepest target
possible when distributing. Organization of the defense, playing
as a sweeper, starting position, and offer support in attack.
SoccerSpecific.com Session Plan: ss_Latronica_AlicenseGoalkeeping
ACTIVITY #4
Set up: An 11v11 set piece game is organized on a full pitch.
Team formations are a 4-4-2 vs. 3-5-2.
Instructions: Both teams compete for possession of the ball and
attempt to score in their opponents goal. Throughout the run of
play the coach will randomly award each team. 5 corner kicks, 5
free kicks, and 2 penalty kicks. A goal from the run of play is
worth 1 point and a goal from a dead ball situation is worth two.
Coaching Points: Defensive organization of walls on set pieces,
starting position and adjustments in reference to movement of the
ball and players, recognizing pressure on the ball, range of
coverage in the box. Organizing the shape of the team in attack,
switching the point of attack when needed, and a good
understanding of risk/safety in the defensive third.