No Sleeper Keeper

Objectives

To place all players (goalkeepers and field players) in a fun game situation, giving practice in collective team play and decision-making situations; produces "reaction save" and "use of the ball" circumstances.

Organization

A 20 x 10 yard area is marked with corner flags and halfway line markers (cones); a 5-yard end zone is added.
Each team is split - three goalkeepers, two midfielders and one forward - and restricted to their "zone." Only goalkeepers can use their hands.
Keepers are not allowed beyond their end zone, but must defend both the "goal" and the zone.
Goals can be scored in the following ways:
1. Goalkeepers shooting, throwing or punting through the goals; or throwing, punting, chipping to land ball in opposite end zone.
2. Midfielders shooting through goals (or chipping into end zone).
3. Forwards can shoot or pick up rebounds to score.
4. Game is always restarted after ball goes out of play by a goalkeeper of team which did not last touch the ball.

Coaching Points

Encourage good organization/communication/decision making by the "goalkeepers."
Look for quick decisions by goalkeepers when gaining possession to see if a throw or lob can catch out opposition.
Encourage midfielders to look for quick shots or chips; also to maintain possession (2 vs 1) when shot not possible.
Advise attackers to always be gambling for rebounds; also positioning for build-up play from goalkeepers and midfielders.

ABILITIES DEVELOPED	KC's EMPHASIZED
Awareness and decision making in quickly changing situations.	Alert and Alive, React, Open.

Additional Information

If the ball is chipped or thrown into the end zone the goalkeeper can defend by: catching the ball before it hits the ground, trapping the ball with the hands as it hits the ground (providing it doesn't bounce or squirm away), or by tipping or punching the ball out of the sides of the zone without the ball touching the ground. Note: ball cannot be tipped or punched over the end line - no matter how high (penalty: a goal to the other side).

The "No Sleeper Keeper" game was developed by former Glasgow Rangers player and USYSA Coach Billy McNichol and his wife, Stacey. It's a fun, action-packed game requiring all players to develop "knows" - better defined as awareness, alertness and craftiness! Being savvy of this game helps players when placed in demanding, quick decision game situations.

The game can be modified for team practice to keep regular goalkeepers permanently in goal. Alternatively, it can be used at goalkeeper clinics and goalkeeper schools as a team goalie game.

Age Suitability

Age	Suitable	Comments
6-11	YES	The game can be modified to make it a throw and catch-only game with the throw and catch replacing the foot passing.
12-15	YES	Good game for all young soccer players and helps develop a better team understanding.
16+	YES	Excellent game for mature players.