7v7 lesson · Connect around pressure · Beginner
Your Keeper Can Help
Pass back to your keeper when the way is clear. The keeper must play it with their feet, not hands. If it's covered, pick another teammate.
What the coach says
- The way forward is crowded. Your keeper is behind you and ready to help.
- Look back before you pass. Make sure the route to the keeper is clear.
- Pass back to the keeper. Move your eyes to the other side of the field.
- The keeper finds the right teammate before the pressure gets across.
- The defender moves into the route back to the keeper. The middle teammate is free.
- Check the picture again. The safest option can change when a defender moves.
- Play forward to the free teammate. You used what was open, rather than repeating the same pass.
- After the forward pass, the right defender moves up behind the midfielder to remain a reachable return option.
Quiz questions
Try to answer before you read the coach’s explanation. On the island you answer each one on the pitch.
Question 1
Which pass gives your team a clear route out?
Coach’s explanation: The keeper is free. The defender blocks the forward pass.
Question 2
Which pass gives your team a clear route out?
Coach’s explanation: The defender covers the keeper now. The middle teammate has a clear passing lane.
Question 3
True or false? Look back before you pass to your keeper.
Coach’s explanation: It's true. Looking back shows you if the way to the keeper is clear.
Question 4
Your keeper has the ball. What happens next?
Coach’s explanation: The right side is free, so the keeper passes there before the defender gets across.
Question 5
A defender blocks the way to the keeper. Which pass is safe?
Coach’s explanation: The defender blocks the keeper, so the free middle teammate is safer.