When I have a new goalkeeper, they often struggle at the beginning of the season with the build-up.

They are under pressure, they must make quick and accurate passes to break the lines, and they normally feel nervous and prefer to avoid these situations by making a long pass.

Some years ago I saw this exercise from Roberto De Zerbi on Twitter and I gave it a try.

And now it is my favorite one to work on the build-up with my goalkeepers.

Set Up

• Attacking team: Goalkeeper, 2 centre-backs.
• Defending team: 3 forward players.
• 2 mini-goals: They represent two midfielders as passing targets.

Objectives

• Encourage goalkeepers to o pass between two defenders.
• Move defenders from one side to another and choose the best moment to break the lines with a pass.
• Work under pressure
• Pressing coordination

Why did it work for me?

• Real game situation.
• Goalkeeper needs to decide quickly.
• It's adaptable depending on player's level.

Progression

Increase pressure each level—first by allowing/disallowing the CB press, then by making the forwards press more aggressively.

Scoring system

You can use different point systems and you can adjust them depending on your needs.

• 1 point: Goalkeeper scores in one of the goals.
• 2 points: Goalkeeper scores in one of the mini-goals after both centre-backs touched the ball.
• 3 points: Goalkeeper scores in one of the mini-goals after 5 passes.
• 1 point: Defenders score a goal.

How do you coach GKs to break lines under pressure?

Hope this post will be useful,