GK Distribution & Playing Out

Develop a keeper's distribution: a clean first touch, scanning for the best option, and accurate passing to start play under light pressure.

Keeper with the ball, full-backs and centre-backs as options, with one or two pressers to make the picture realistic.

1. The keeper receives a back-pass, takes a settling touch and scans.
2. They pick the free option — short to a back, wide to a full-back, or longer if the press is on.
3. Defenders move to create angles; pressers try to block the easy pass.
4. Repeat, varying where the pressure comes from.

• Open body on the first touch so you can see the whole picture.
• Scan before it arrives — know your options early.
• Pass to the correct foot, weighted to keep them facing forward.
• If the short option is blocked, go longer with conviction.

• The keeper's first touch puts them under pressure — receive across the body, away from the press.
• Distribution is one-paced — vary it: roll, pass, clip, driven throw, depending on the picture.
• Keepers panic into row Z at the first sign of pressure — give them the escape pass picture before the ball arrives.

• Add a second presser.
• Two-touch limit for the keeper.
• Add a target to reach after playing out.

• No pressers — pick the pass calmly.
• More options.
• Walk the scanning routine.

• Keeper limited to two touches.