PositioningRepresentativeTactics
Defending the angled free-kick with one post covered
Position on the angled free-kick, letting the wall cover the near post and protecting the rest of the goal — combines set-piece positioning and angle reading on the most common free-kick.
Choose a session and the exercise is added to today’s plan.
Load
- minutes
- 12
- dives/set
- 3
- Sets and reps
- 3 × 4
- Intensity
- Medium
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
- 3
Space: 26 × 22 m
Equipment: Balls, Full goal, Poles, Bibs
The coach serves and manages the breaks.
1 steps
Angled free-kicks with a wall covering the near post. The goalkeeper positions to defend the open side, managing both the direct shot and the worked ball.
Exercise sequence
Coaching points
- The wall covers the near post; the goalkeeper protects the open side, on the bisector of the remaining angle.
- See the ball without being screened by the wall, adjusting half a step if needed.
- Be ready for both options: the direct shot over the wall and the ball worked into the box.
- Weight forward and feet alive — the angled free-kick demands a fast reaction to the ball around or over the wall.
Progressions
- Shot or worked ball at choice.
- More spin on the ball.
Regressions
- Direct shot only.
- Reduce the shot speed.