Using the goalkeeper to create overloads

In futsal, the goalkeeper is increasingly used to create a numerical advantage. As a prominent feature of the game, it is therefore important that all goalkeepers work on mastering this aspect in training scenarios. The following exercise works on the goalkeeper’s technical and decision-making skills.

Basic sequence

Variation 1: The goalkeeper occupies a starting position on the flank

Variation 2: With a central zone, in which the goalkeepers are restricted to two touches and four seconds.

Organisation

Use half of a court.
Position a goal at either end of the exercise area.
Place a goalkeeper in each goal.
Position a third goalkeeper on the touchline with a number of balls.
Set up a 2v2 scenario (plus goalkeepers).

Explanation

The exercise begins with the off-court goalkeeper playing a pass to either goalkeeper.
The outfield players on the team in possession have a two-touch limit. There is no limit on the number of touches that the goalkeeper can take.
Each time the ball goes out of play, the off-court goalkeeper restarts play by playing the ball to the in-possession team’s goalkeeper.
The team to score the most goals win.

Variations

Variation 1: The goalkeeper occupies a starting position on the flank (instead of in a central area).
Variation 2: Mark out a central zone, in which the goalkeepers are restricted to two touches and four seconds while they have complete freedom on the flanks.

Coaching points

Encourage goalkeepers to actively participate in building attacks.
Utilize the goalkeeper's skills to initiate offensive plays.
Encourage goalkeepers to find solutions rapidly by distributing the ball efficiently.