Gafferbook
Goalkeeping ยท U10 to adult

Keeper one-on-ones (close down and smother)

Attackers dribble in from 20 metres and the keeper closes them down, makes themselves big and smothers or blocks. Teaches the brave, sensible one-on-one technique.

U10 to adultAges
1 keeper plus 4 to 8 attackersPlayers
Penalty areaArea
10 to 15 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

โž• Put it in tonight's session๐Ÿ—“ Build my season around itโœ๏ธ Make my own version

Set-up

  • Attackers queue 20 to 25 metres out with balls.
  • Keeper starts on the goal line.

Equipment: Goal, cones, balls

How it works

  1. Attacker dribbles at goal; keeper advances.
  2. Keeper closes the angle and stays big as the attacker gets close.
  3. Smother at the feet when the touch is heavy, or spread to block.

Coaching points

  • Close down when the ball is away from the attacker's foot.
  • Stay big and on your feet as long as possible.
  • Go down sideways, hands leading, head protected behind your arms.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Attackers jog
  • Attackers must shoot from outside six yards

Make it harder

  • Attacker gets a through-ball run-on
  • Two attackers (square pass option)

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

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