The ability of a goalkeeper to play as an outfield player, to be comfortable and confident on the ball and to be able to deal with a variety of different back passes, is vitally important in today's game. Goalkeepers will need to recognise when they have time and can start an attack from the goalkeeping position and when they have to put safety first and make sure they get a good, clean contact on the ball and clear to safety.

The following is an exercise, which mainly involves back passes from fullbacks, but which can be adjusted and adapted to include back passes from central defenders. The exercise will give the goalkeeper lots of different scenarios to deal with and will help the goalkeeper with their positioning, communication, technique and decision making.

DESCRIPTION:

Fullback passes the ball back to GK from a variety of wide positions. Attacker applies passive pressure. GK communicates with defender. GK clears down the line of the ball and tries to hit one of the forward targets on the same side as where the back pass came from or controls and passes to the fullback who makes an angle to receive the pass. The fullback then passes to forward target.

PURPOSE:

To improve the technique of goalkeepers dealing with back passes from defenders

ORGANISATION:

• Area half a pitch, with a goal.
• Fullbacks in wide areas, with a supply of balls.
• Two mobile forward targets.

KEY FACTORS:

• Good communication.
• Be positive.
• Indicate with hand signal and voice where the back pass should be played.
• Correct decision, to clear long or compose and pass to fullback.
• If kicking long, kick down the line of the ball, aiming to target area between centre circle and the touchline.
• Aim for height and distance, any doubts be safe and kick out of play.
• If playing to fullback, good control and composure