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DistributionRepresentativeTactics

Build-up against high pressure in a small-sided game

Integrate the goalkeeper’s distribution into collective build-up, deciding between playing short, switching play, or clearing, under real pressure.

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Load

minutes
14
Intensity
Medium
Sets and reps
4 × 1

Microcycle days it fits

MD-4, MD-3

Each bar’s height is that day’s dive ceiling.

Setup

Goalkeepers
1
server
0
outfield player
5

Space: 30 × 30 m

Equipment: Balls, Bibs, Cones, Mini goals

The coach serves and manages the breaks.

3 steps

Small-sided game with two centre-backs and a full-back available to receive from the goalkeeper, two opponents pressing. Progression to a mini goal in the opponent’s half.

Exercise sequence

Coaching points

  • Scan before receiving: know where the pressure is and where the free space is.
  • Prefer switching play when the ball side is saturated with opponents.
  • Clearing long is legitimate when pressure removes the short lines — it’s a read, not a failure.
  • Call the free side before the pass, helping the centre-back orient the first touch.

Progressions

  1. Raise pressure to a high man-marking block.
  2. Limit the whole team to two touches.
  3. Remove the full-back, reducing the passing options.

Regressions

  1. Pressure on a single player, always leaving one short line free.
  2. Unlimited touches.

Sources · 3

  1. Book«Scientific Approaches to Goalkeeping in Football», Bennion Kearny
  2. CurriculumRegulamento do Curso UEFA de Treinadores de Guarda-Redes «B», Federação Portuguesa de Futebol
  3. StudyAdvice from “pracademics” of how to apply ecological dynamics theory to practice design (2023)