Build-Out Line Goal Kicks

Give young teams three simple goal-kick shapes that use the build-out line rule, so the keeper always has a short option and the ball leaves the back cleanly.

Keeper in goal, balls beside the post. Mark the build-out line with cones a third of the way up the field. Two center backs split wide on the edge of the box, two fullbacks high and wide near the line, one midfielder central. Two passive opponents start behind the build-out line.

1. Pattern 1, 'Split': the keeper rolls to a center back who has opened wide. The center back drives forward and passes to the fullback on the same side.
2. Pattern 2, 'Middle': the center backs stay wide as decoys; the keeper plays to the midfielder who has checked into the box, who turns and finds a fullback.
3. Pattern 3, 'Over': if both opponents crowd the middle, the keeper clips a ball to the far fullback who has stayed on the line.
4. Run each pattern five times without pressure, then let the opponents press once the ball crosses the line.
5. Finish with 8 live goal kicks: the keeper calls the pattern with a hand signal before every kick.

• Center backs: open wide the moment the keeper has the ball.
• Play the ball on the ground and to the far foot.
• Receiver: first touch forward, then look up.
• Keeper: pick the pattern before the ball is in your hands.

• Center backs stand inside the six-yard box and the keeper has nowhere to pass; put a cone where each defender should stand until they find it on their own.
• The receiver takes a first touch back toward the goal and invites the press; the touch is forward or sideways, never back.
• The keeper waits for the perfect moment and the opponents get organized; take the goal kick within 5 seconds of the ball being placed.

• Opponents may press as soon as the keeper releases the ball.
• Add a target: the attack must cross the halfway line within 8 seconds.
• Let the center backs choose between pattern 1 and 2 based on the press.

• No opponents; walk each pattern first.
• Keeper throws instead of kicking.
• Run one pattern only for the whole session.

• The ball must leave the box on the ground; a lofted clearance restarts the rep.