Trap at the Touchline
A three-player press guides build-up towards a touchline, then closes the forward and inside exits together.
- 12 min
- 6–12 players
Game · U14
Keeper Leads the Line
Give hold or step cues during a slow attack.
- Duration
- 12 min
- Players
- 5–10 (ideal 5)
- Goalkeeping
- Communication
- Defending
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 5-player group is shown. Green GK stays in a protected strip behind two blue defenders. Two red attackers start to the right with one ball. Red may circulate slowly outside the strip; there is no shot at goal or challenge to GK. The secured left goal supplies a positioning reference.
Coaching points
- Setup: Green GK stays in a protected strip behind two blue defenders. Two red attackers start to the right with one ball. Red may circulate slowly outside the strip; there is no shot at goal or challenge to GK. The secured left goal supplies a positioning reference.
- Play: Red makes one gentle ground pass while GK reads the ball and tells the two blue defenders hold or step. Hold keeps their line; step is a small coordinated walk towards the changed ball side while preserving a safe gap. Stop at reception and check whether both defenders understood the call and kept a connected line. One clear call with matching safe movement is success.
- Reset and rotation: Stop and return the ball between every episode. Rotate all five roles each two passes; rest after 45 seconds. Alternate pass sides, with GK always inside the protected strip and red stopping before any blue-red route converges.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 5 players. With up to 10, use a second complete group in a separate area. Odd spare players rest off the area and rotate into a playing role every 45 seconds; everyone has equal turns.
- Coach focus: Give one early clear cue that teammates can act on; check their response rather than shouting continuously. GK keeps ball and both defenders visible. This task assesses keeper-directed communication, not tackles or keeper saves.
- Safety: Adult supervision on level clear ground. Gentle service only; agree readiness before release. Stay on feet: no diving, jumps, contact, slide, contested catch or fast close shot. Stop a missed ball rather than chase. Retrieve and rotate only while play is stopped.
Equipment
- Ball · 2 per group, including a spare
- Goal · 1 per group
- Flat Marker · 6 per group for field and zone corners, in addition to pictured markers
- Bib · 5 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier Announce the pass and pause while GK chooses the cue and each defender repeats it.
- Harder Red chooses one of two demonstrated pass directions; GK reads it and gives the cue without prompting. Preserve walking adjustments, stop at reception and no shots.
