Goalkeeping session: out of possession actions | England Football Learning

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Session

England Football Learning

2 mins - Jul 10, 2023

Session overview

This session will help players:

work on their distances, positioning and body shape
develop decision-making skills
communicate effectively.

If you like this idea, download the session plan and give it a go. And don't forget to share your experience on the England Football Community. We'd love to know how you got on.

Out of possession actions

Set up with a goalkeeper and three defenders inside the penalty area. Then have two attackers on the edge of the area and a winger on each corner.
The aim is for the attacking team to score from crosses into the box. As the coach, you should start with a supply of footballs outside the area. Play a one-two with an attacker on the edge of the area before passing the ball out to one of the wingers.
Once you pass the ball to the winger, the other attackers should start moving to try and score from the cross. The defenders and goalkeeper should position themselves to defend the area. If there's a goal or the defenders clear the ball, players return to their original positions and start again.
Avoid repetition by passing the ball to one of the attackers on the edge of the box and encouraging them to work an opportunity. This will encourage communication and decision-making from the defending team.

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Coaching session

Watch this video to find out what the session actually looks like.

Coaching tips

Observe your goalkeeper and encourage them to communicate at the right time.

Good communication will help the whole defensive unit with their positioning and decision-making.

Encourage them to shout "hold" to maintain a defensive line, "squeeze" to push up when the ball is cleared and "keeper's" when they can claim the ball.

And if you feel it’s right to progress the session, use the STEP framework (Youth Sports Trust, 2002) to help keep things fun, engaging and appropriate.

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