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PositioningGameTactics

3v3 small-sided game with the goalkeeper present

Genuinely involve the young goalkeeper in the small-sided game, instead of isolating them in a goal with no context — research shows removing the goalkeeper from a small-sided game increases outfield player demands, precisely at the cost of the goalkeeper’s own involvement.

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Load

minutes
12
dives/set
3
Sets and reps
2 × 1
Intensity
Medium

dives per set, per goalkeeper

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: 20 × 15 m

Equipment: Balls, Mini goals, Bibs

The coach serves and manages the breaks.

2 steps

A 3v3 small-sided game with a mini-goal, with the goalkeeper always inside the action, actively involved in positioning and play, not only defending occasional shots.

Exercise sequence

Coaching points

  • The goalkeeper adjusts the positioning arc continuously with play, as they would in a real match, not only when the ball nears goal.
  • No early technical specialization: participation and game reading matter more than dive perfection.
  • Encourage the goalkeeper to communicate with teammates within the game, even with simple instructions.
  • If the goalkeeper goes too long without ball contact, reduce the space to increase decision situations.

Progressions

  1. Reduce the space, increasing decision frequency.
  2. Move up to 4v4.

Regressions

  1. Increase the space, giving more reaction time.
  2. Reduce to 2v2.

Sources · 2

  1. StudyAsín-Izquierdo, Gutiérrez-García e Galiano, «Application of technology for the analysis of Small-Sided Games in football. From complexity to chaos in training design: Reference to number of players, playing space, orientation, time distribution, directionality with goalkeepers, and feedback» (2024)
  2. Curriculum«Lifetime Development of a Goalkeeper», US Youth Soccer