Positioning and Narrowing the Angle by Ball Position
Three attackers with a ball in different positions: the goalkeeper adjusts to the bisecting line and narrows the angle before each shot on the coach's call.
Step 1Balón 1
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El entrenador canta el 7: el portero se coloca en la bisectriz, achica y recibe el tiro.
Objective
Automate the goalkeeper's positioning relative to the ball and the goal, and the narrowing of the shooting angle for balls in different zones.
Organisation
Penalty area with a full-size goal. One goalkeeper and three attackers with a ball 18-20 m out: one on each diagonal and one central. Two cones 4 m from the goal line give a visual reference for the narrowing line. A coach runs the drill from one side.
Development
- 1The goalkeeper starts in the centre of the goal on the line, in the set position.
- 2The coach calls the number of one attacker; the goalkeeper moves onto the line that bisects the angle between the ball and the two posts, stepping forward to narrow the angle.
- 3Once set, the chosen attacker shoots at medium pace towards the sides of the goal.
- 4The goalkeeper saves or parries and returns the ball to the attacker.
- 5Without going back to the centre, the coach calls the next number and the goalkeeper adjusts diagonally to the new ball position.
- 6Work in sets of 6 shots in random order; then the attackers rotate positions.
Coaching points4
- Stand on the imaginary line joining the ball to the centre of the goal and step forward without losing the reference of the posts.
- The further and more central the ball, the more advanced the position can be; in tight angles cover the near post first.
- Move with the eyes on the ball and plant the feet before the strike.
- Use the landmarks of the box (lines, penalty spot, cones) to orient without looking back.
Common mistakes3
- Turning the head to look at the goal and losing sight of the ball.
- Narrowing so much that the attacker can lift the ball over the goalkeeper.
- Standing in the geometric centre of the goal instead of on the bisecting line.
Variations3
- Attackers dribble two metres before shooting, forcing the goalkeeper to readjust on the move.
- The coach calls two numbers in a row and the goalkeeper must deal with both without a pause.
- Remove the reference cones so the goalkeeper orients using only the lines of the box.
Progressions2
- Add a pass between attackers before the shot so the goalkeeper tracks the ball and repositions.
- Move the attackers out to 25 m and allow lifted shots.
Regressions2
- Attackers announce the shot and strike softly, giving the goalkeeper time to get set.
- Work with only two ball positions until the bisecting-line reference is consolidated.
Tips
- Stop the drill often and ask the goalkeeper where they think they are relative to the posts before correcting.
- Filming from behind the goal helps the goalkeeper see their real positioning.