U14–HS · Goalkeeping · 16 min
See It, Then Send It
Train the keeper to pick the right restart: roll to the split CB, throw to the fullback, or a driven ball into the 9 if the press is set.
Attack DefendSolid = passDashed = run
- Space
- Defensive half, full width
- Equipment
- 8 balls · 6 cones · pinnies · 2 mini-goals on halfway
Organization
GK + 4 outfield vs 3 pressers. Coach serves a shot or a back pass. GK claims, then has 6 seconds to play. Outfield score in mini-goals. Pressers score on a regain. 10 claims.
Whiteboard
Diagram notes
South goal. GK with the ball. LCB and RCB split. LB high. Three pressers. Three option arrows: roll to LCB, throw to LB, driven into the 9 on halfway.
Coaching points
- The picture is the one you see after the catch, not the one you hoped for.
- Roll when the CB is free and the press is high. Throw when the fullback has space in front.
- Driven kick is a pass, not a clearance. Hit the 9’s feet or the channel, not hope.
- Body open before the release. Don’t throw into a closed hip.
Phrases to use
- “See it, then send it.”
- “Roll the free CB.”
- “Throw into space, not into a shirt.”
- “A driven ball is a pass.”
Progressions
- Four pressers.
- 4-second release.
- No talking from outfield — GK must scan.
Regressions
- Pressers start 8 yards higher.
- Allow a bounce on the roll.
- Coach calls the option for two rounds.
Common mistakes
GK punts every claim because the press looks loud.
Count to one. If a CB is free, the roll is on. Noise is not a trigger.
The throw is a lob that hangs for the winger to intercept.
Throw on a line, chest height, into the space in front of the fullback.
They roll into a marked CB who is facing their own goal.
The spare man is the one whose hips are open. Don’t gift a press.