Gafferbook
Goalkeeping ยท U10 to adult

Sweeper keeper: through balls

A through ball is played into space between the keeper and a striker; the keeper decides whether to come out and clear or stay. Teaches judging speed and distance.

U10 to adultAges
Keeper plus 4 to 8 attackersPlayers
Half pitchArea
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

  • Passer in midfield; striker on the halfway side of the box.
  • Keeper on their line.

Equipment: Goal, cones, balls

How it works

  1. Passer plays a through ball into the space behind.
  2. Keeper decides: come and clear (or gather in the box), or stay and face the 1v1.
  3. Coach gives feedback on the decision.

Coaching points

  • Start a few metres off the line when the ball is far away.
  • Decide early, then commit fully.
  • Clear high and wide if outside the box.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Striker starts further back

Make it harder

  • Striker starts level with the passer's pass

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

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