Mixed Bag

Objectives

To place goalkeepers (and field players) in decision-making situations with attacks developed from the wings.

Organization

Use half of a full-sized field; mark out an 8-yard channel each side of field.
Mark in a half-way line; 3 vs 2 and a goalkeeper in each half.
The channelled wingers have no allegiance - they play for both teams.
When ball is in hands of keeper, and when restarting play, goalkeeper always throws to flank players of the keeper's choice.
Wing players can pass to one another, overlap, and cross the ball; can play ball in/out to the three attackers.
Change around the players periodically to give experience in the different roles (except goalkeepers).

Coaching Points

Goalkeepers must work on accurate throws to wide players.
Goalkeepers should be encouraged to "switch" play.
Keepers must communicate their requirements and organize the defence.
The goalkeepers must observe the changing circumstances, adjust accordingly and take the required action.
Field players: encourage good attacking runs (near and far post); timing of runs of players from defending positions; skillful cooperative defending against greater numbers (3 vs 2).

ABILITIES DEVELOPED	KC's EMPHASIZED
Judgment and decision making in relation to cross ball situations.	Alert and Alive, Open, Stay on Feet, Hands.

Additional Information

Practice can begin with simpler numbers. For instance, 2 vs 1 in each half; only one flank player. Then player numbers can be built up to the type of situation shown on the opposite page.

As the coach and the players become familiar with this type of practice - it will take several weeks - the practice can be further developed. For example:

Defenders can play the ball directly in to front attacking players, without the ball having to go wide.

A defender can be released to go forward over the half-way line to support an attack.

One defender and one attacker can go into the other half to assist play (players' own choice) - but have to get back quickly when ball goes to goalkeeper.

One of the flank players can follow pass or cross to assist the attacking team.

These alternatives really do produce the "Mixed Bag" circumstances that further develop the judgment and decision making power of goalkeepers.

Age Suitability

Age	Suitable	Comments
6-11	NO	Too complex a practice for this age - but Chip 'n Dale without the goalkeepers will be fine for 9, 10 and 11-year-olds.
12-15	YES	First-class practice for all players. Don't expect standards to be very high initially.
16+	YES	Highly recommended team practice for developing collective attacking and defending .