Footwork and movementAnalyticTechnique
Recovery step after the back-pass (u12)
Train the controlled retreat to goal after coming out to play — a footwork pattern that was poorly covered, and one that decides goals from balls over the top when the goalkeeper is advanced.
Choose a session and the exercise is added to today’s plan.
Load
- minutes
- 9
- dives/set
- 1
- Sets and reps
- 2 × 6
- 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
- 1
- outfield player
- 0
Space: 10 × 10 m
Equipment: Balls, Cones
The coach serves and manages the breaks.
2 steps
The goalkeeper steps up as if to receive, and on a cue retreats quickly to save a shot over the top. It works the balanced backpedal and recovery step without crossing the feet too early.
Exercise sequence
Coaching points
- The retreat is done facing the ball, never with the back turned — losing sight of the ball loses the play.
- Short steps under the centre of gravity, to be able to brake and jump at any moment.
- Cross the feet only to cover large distance; on reaching the shooting zone, return to the side step.
- The head stays steady; if the head bounces, ball reading bounces with it.
Progressions
- Increase the distance to recover.
- Reduce the warning before the shot.
Regressions
- Short one-step retreat.
- Announce the moment of the shot.