First Attacker

Objectives: GK as the +1: receiving the back-pass under a sprinting striker, playing through the press, tempo-setting. Serves 2.2.1 and 2.9.1. (Integrated session — GKs train with defenders; the GK Curriculum, Section 9, holds the isolated technical ladder.)
Field: Penalty area + Zone 1 to the 35-yard line. Equipment: goal, cones for split positions, balls in-goal supply, bibs.
Organization: GK + back three + pivot vs. 3 pressers. Every rep starts with a back-pass to the GK under live press. GK must select: first-time pass to the free CB, a touch-and-play through the wave, the pivot between lines, or the designed long pattern (target zone marked at 35yds wide-left) when the count closes short options. Points for clean progressions past the presser line.
Coaching points: (1) Before the back-pass arrives: scan both CBs and the pivot — know your out before the ball; (2) first touch across your body away from the presser's arc; (3) when long is right, go long well — driven to the marked zone, not hoofed.
Progressions: 4 pressers (numbers honest) → pressers may trap the GK's first touch → live 11v11 goal-kick starts.
Regressions: Presser jogs · unlimited touches · coach calls the out loud pre-rep.
Common mistakes: GKs: taking a touch when first-time was on (invites the trap); passing to feet when the CB needed the safe-side foot. Coaches: isolating GKs from this — build-out is a unit skill; the back line's angles cause half of GK giveaways.
Timing: 20 min. Expected outcomes: GK verbalizing pre-scan ("Marcus free!"); clean progression rate rises; long-pattern executions land in zone.
Variations: Add opposition GK distribution contest (whose unit exits cleaner) · dead-ball version: all reps from goal kicks vs. the press shapes from Saturday's scout.
Diagram description: Penalty area with GK, split CBs at box corners, third CB/pivot staggered above; three pressers' curved arrows; marked target zone wide-left at 35 yards; dashed options tree from the GK.