CommunicationRepresentativeTactics
Offside-line call (u12)
Introduce the defensive-line push call simply — offside communication was almost absent in the young bands and is the goalkeeper’s first step as an organiser.
Choose a session and the exercise is added to today’s plan.
Load
- minutes
- 12
- dives/set
- 1
- Sets and reps
- 2 × 5
- Intensity
- Low
dives per set, per goalkeeper
Microcycle days it fits
MD-3, MD-2
Each bar’s height is that day’s dive ceiling.
Setup
- Goalkeepers
- 1
- server
- 1
- outfield player
- 4
Space: 24 × 20 m
Equipment: Balls, Full goal, Bibs, Markers
The coach serves and manages the breaks.
1 steps
A back line in front of the goalkeeper with attackers lurking. On the call, the line steps up as a block to leave the attacker offside. Start on the coach’s command, progress to the goalkeeper’s read.
Exercise sequence
Coaching points
- The call is a short, strong word, always the same, given the instant the ball leaves the passer’s foot.
- The goalkeeper sees the line and the ball carrier at once — the decision comes from that dual read.
- Stepping too early lets the ball in behind; too late voids the trap. Timing is everything.
- Value the decision not to step when the risk is high as much as the decision to step.
Progressions
- The goalkeeper reads the moment to step.
- Add a second attacker in depth.
Regressions
- Always step on the coach’s command.
- Reduce the number of attackers.