The passer in the shoot-out has two options
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- Direct shot on goal
- Long pass to the team-mate
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Starting from the goal line, at the whistle the goalkeeper receives the ball from the running team-mate. The passer must move away from the passer for two reasons. Firstly, so that the receiver has to turn less when receiving the ball. Secondly, to make it more difficult for the opposing goalkeeper. By moving away from the teammate, the distance the opposing goalkeeper has to cover to intercept the pass or to stop the direct throw is greater, making it easier for the passer.
We only have 3 seconds from the moment we receive the ball, so we have to be clear at a glance what we have to do. An interesting idea, with a bit of risk, is that the pass that the player gives to the goalkeeper is lobbed and to the opposite side of the area. In this way, we give the goalkeeper more time to separate himself from the player and have a better perspective.
The pass to the team-mate must ensure that he receives it without dropping it on the ground, as if it touches it, the ball is lost. It is better to use a softer pass to ensure that it reaches the receiver, especially in lower categories.In higher categories you can try direct inflight passes. This situation allows us two options.On the one hand, the inflight throw from the teammate, which can be a surprise for the opposing goalkeeper. On the other hand, in the event that such a throw is not an option, the player will fall and will have the three steps to try another option. More risk is taken in the pass but other options for resolution are gained.
The side on which the player runs conditions the orientation of the passing goalkeeper’s body. A right-handed goalkeeper who passes to a player who runs on the left side complicates the direct throw, especially in lower categories, as it forces us to change the orientation to throw. If he runs on the same side as our dominant arm, it is easier to switch between a long pass and a direct throw.
One task that can be given to the passer is to inform the receiver what the opposing goalkeeper is doing. At the moment the ball is in the air, the player has no reference as to whether the goalkeeper has come out to steal the ball, comes out to defend the shot outside the area or returns to his goal. We can include after the pass a message such as “goes out” or “stays” to give the information to the teammate.