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| Dealing with Back Passes |
Drills to develop goalkeeper foot and passing skills
By Mick D'Arcy
The back pass rule was instituted several years ago and most people will agree that it has sped up the game and created more scoring opportunities. However, it is still causing problems for many keepers at all levels. Like any other aspect of the game, it needs to be practiced.
It is not good enough to put your keepers into a 5 v. 2 during warm-ups and assume their foot skills will improve and therefore they will be comfortable and effective in dealing with back passes during a game.
A 5 v. 2 will help and I encourage keepers to participate in such exercises, but more needs to be done.
Following is a training progression that aids the development of fundamental goalkeeper technique while placing the skill into game-like and match condition exercises.
Exercise I
The coach stands 25 yards out and plays balls into the penalty box. Goalkeeper must clear the ball to one of two target players approximately 40 yards out. See diagram at right.
Coaching points:
• Coach should vary starting point and type of service;
• The keeper should strike the ball first time when possible, or make a quality first touch to prepare to play the ball with the second touch;
• The keeper needs to communicate with coach as to where the back passes should be played. This can be done verbally or non-verbally (pointing).
Exercise II
Same as No.1 but add an attacking player to chase coach’s pass into the penalty box. See diagram at right.
Coaching points:
• Alternate chasing striker to insure that there is good pressure on the keeper each time;
• The keeper needs to determine when to play first time or if there is time to take a preparation touch;
• If the keeper is under heavy pressure, the ball can be cleared over the touchline. “If in doubt, put it out.”
Exercise III
Add a second attacker and one defender. Attackers pressure from two sides and the defender gives another passing option to the keeper. See diagram at right.
Coaching points:
• Keeper must be aware of weak side attacker, especially if a preparation touch is taken.
Back pass game
In taking the training session to a match condition, you will need two goals, 20 cones, 10 scrimmage vests and 10 balls. Move one goal to the half way line and mark off a new 18-yard penalty box. Extend each 18-yard line to the touch line.
Two teams now will contest in a 6 v. 6 game in the area between the two 18-yard penalty boxes. The objective of the five field players is to make five consecutive passes, one of which must be to their goalkeeper. The defending team’s field players cannot enter the penalty box until the ball is played in there. At that stage forwards should aggressively pressure the goalkeeper. Once a team has completed five passes they may attack the opposition goal.
Coaching points:
• The keeper has three options: (1) pass ball to a teammate; (2) play a long ball over the top; or (3) clear the ball to the safety of the touchline.
• Communication and decision-making points made in the warm-up should be reinforced by the coach, who can restart play for ball going over the touchlines while keepers can restart play for balls played over the end lines.
Editor’s note:
Mick D’Arcy is the director of coaching for SoccerPlus Goalkeeping Schools. He learned the game in Ireland and played at Methodist College. He currently is women’s coach at Central Connecticut University. The article originally appeared in The Keeper’s Line, the SoccerPlus newsletter. It also appeared in the July-August 2002 issue of Soccer Journal.
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