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1v1RepresentativeTechnique

Making yourself big at a tight angle (u16)

Occupy the goal with the body when the attacker comes from a tight angle, where the near post already helps — reinforces making yourself big, adjusting the shape to the angle instead of repeating it identically.

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Load

minutes
11
dives/set
3
Sets and reps
3 × 4
Intensity
High

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
1

Space: 14 × 12 m

Equipment: Balls, Full goal

The coach serves and manages the breaks.

2 steps

The attacker arrives from a tight angle near the byline. The goalkeeper shuts the near post, makes themselves big to the open side and waits for the touch before committing.

Exercise sequence

Coaching points

  • At a tight angle, the near post is almost covered — the shape mainly blocks the open side and the pull-back.
  • Make yourself big without hugging the post: let the body block the goal, don’t waste space stuck to the upright.
  • Wait for the attacker’s touch; diving early at a tight angle invites the pull-back or the touch around.
  • Hands forward and low for the ground ball, which dominates tight-angle shots.

Progressions

  1. Attacker opening the angle in the dribble.
  2. Reduce the decision time.

Regressions

  1. Attacker at a fixed tight angle.
  2. Lower the dribbling speed.

Sources · 2

  1. BookLeonhard Zeilinger e Franz Gruber, «The Ultimate Guide to Goalkeeper Training: Develop Motor Skills, Technique, Tactics, and Mindset» (Meyer & Meyer Sport, 2025), ISBN 9781782552918
  2. BookAndy Elleray, «Goalkeeping in Football»