Throw to the Runner
Time a comfortable underarm throw ahead of a moving support player.
- 10 min
- 2–4 players
Game · U14
Support Behind the Ball
Offer goal-side support then recover goal position.
- Duration
- 12 min
- Players
- 4–8 (ideal 4)
- Goalkeeping
- Movement
- Communication
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 4-player group is shown. Green GK offers support behind two blue outfield players from a protected left strip beside a secured goal. Red 1 walks outside the strip to screen a blue-to-blue pass. Blue 2 starts with one ball; there is no shot or contact with GK.
Coaching points
- Setup: Green GK offers support behind two blue outfield players from a protected left strip beside a secured goal. Red 1 walks outside the strip to screen a blue-to-blue pass. Blue 2 starts with one ball; there is no shot or contact with GK.
- Play: Blue chooses a gentle pass. GK moves within the strip to offer a clear return angle and names the support. After blue completes the pass, the coach calls a simulated loss: all outfield players freeze, and GK walks back to a balanced central goal position. One useful support offer followed by a settled recovery is success; no save is required.
- Reset and rotation: Stop at the recovered set position. Rotate all four through keeper, blue and screen roles after two episodes; rest after 45 seconds. Simulated loss is verbal, never an extra kicked ball. Restart only with all players ready.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 4 players. With up to 8, 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: Check both ball and goal when offering support; avoid standing directly behind a teammate. The learning task is choosing off-ball support and recovering goal position, rather than executing an outlet pass.
- 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 · 4 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier Use an announced blue pass and pause before the simulated-loss call.
- Harder Blue chooses either a return or partner pass before the call, so GK adjusts support to the current ball. Keep walking and freeze the others on the call.
