Skip to content
← Back to library

Footwork and movementRepresentativeTechnique

Retreat and reposition after a failed engagement

Train recovery to goal after an engagement that doesn’t work, to save the shot that follows — reinforces the backpedal in the positional-error recovery situation.

Add to a session

Which session should use this exercise?

You do not have any sessions yet. Create the first one to add this exercise.

New session
Choose a session and the exercise is added to today’s plan.

Load

minutes
10
dives/set
3
Sets and reps
3 × 5
Intensity
High

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: 12 × 16 m

Equipment: Balls, Full goal

The coach serves and manages the breaks.

2 steps

The goalkeeper steps up as for an engagement, but the ball escapes; they must backpedal fast facing the ball and reposition in time to save the shot at the open goal.

Exercise sequence

Coaching points

  • Always retreat facing the ball, with short steps under the body, to be able to brake and save.
  • Keep the eyes on the ball throughout the retreat — the failed engagement is only saved if the ball never leaves sight.
  • Find the set position and angle as fast as possible, even off balance.
  • Accept the failed engagement and focus on the recovery: the second effort is what prevents the goal.

Progressions

  1. Long retreat from outside the six-yard box.
  2. Reduce the shot warning.

Regressions

  1. Short retreat to goal.
  2. Lower the shot speed.

Sources · 2

  1. StudyReliability and Validity of a Novel Reactive Agility Test with Soccer Goalkeeper-Specific Movements (2022), Sports
  2. BookLeonhard Zeilinger e Franz Gruber, «The Ultimate Guide to Goalkeeper Training: Develop Motor Skills, Technique, Tactics, and Mindset» (Meyer & Meyer Sport, 2025), ISBN 9781782552918