Futbol Island

9v9 lesson · Read the spare option · Intermediate

Build With the Goalkeeper

Use the goalkeeper to connect around pressure, then change the plan if that lane closes.

What the coach says

  1. A forward closes the left defender. The goalkeeper offers support behind.
  2. Look for a route away from the pressure.
  3. Return the ball to the goalkeeper.
  4. The goalkeeper plays to the right defender.
  5. The ball returns left while the forward circles toward the goalkeeper lane.
  6. Look again: the forward now covers the return lane.
  7. Pass forward to the left midfielder.
  8. The goalkeeper remains support, rather than a compulsory next pass.

Quiz questions

Try to answer before you read the coach’s explanation. On the island you answer each one on the pitch.

  1. Question 1

    Which available player can connect the other side?

    • The goalkeeper
    • The left winger

    Coach’s explanation: The clear return gives the goalkeeper time to look across the field.

  2. Question 2

    What fits this changed picture?

    • Pass to the left midfielder
    • Return to the goalkeeper

    Coach’s explanation: The opponent has changed the available route. The midfielder has space to receive.

  3. Question 3

    True or false? After the pass forward, the goalkeeper must get the ball next.

    • False
    • True

    Coach’s explanation: It's false. The goalkeeper stays as support, but the next pass can go anywhere open.

  4. Question 4

    Put the goalkeeper move in order, from first to last.

    • Forward presses the left defender
    • Goalkeeper plays to the right defender
    • Left defender passes back to goalkeeper

    Coach’s explanation: The pressure comes first, the keeper connects, then the ball reaches the free side.

  5. Question 5

    Now the forward presses the right defender. Which pass gets away from the pressure?

    • Long pass up the line to the winger
    • Pass back to the goalkeeper
    • Pass up to the right midfielder

    Coach’s explanation: The goalkeeper's lane is clear, so the ball escapes the pressure, just like on the left.

Play it on the island