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// goalkeeper · beginner · 14 min

🧤 Angles: Near Post to Far Post

Walk the arc as the ball travels wide; stay square and reduce open goal.

goalkeeper 14 min
14:00
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Steps

  1. Ball static on wide angle ~15 yards; GK sets feet so ball and both posts are in view.
  2. Move forward slightly on tighter angles; drop deeper when ball is central.
  3. Server walks ball across arc; GK mirrors with small steps — no crossing feet.

Coaching points

  • Ball line visible
  • Don’t get stuck on goal line

Make it easier or harder

Easier: Use cones or chalk to mark the correct GK position for each shot location — GKs step to the marked position before each shot rather than having to calculate independently. Try: GK Ready Stance Shuffles.

Harder: Add a cross followed immediately by a shot — the GK must handle the cross, reset position, and be in the correct angle for the follow-up shot. Next: GK Sweeper Distribution.

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Why this drill matters

Angle play is what separates an average goalkeeper from an excellent one. A GK who holds their line on the goal line concedes far more goals from the same shots as a GK who advances to cut the angle. Understanding the near post (step toward the ball and narrow the near side) and far post (hold the line and protect the far corner) gives GKs a tactical framework for every shot situation. Training these positions specifically builds the spatial awareness that cannot be acquired without deliberate practice.

What you'll need

  • A full-size goal
  • Cones marking shot positions at various angles (near side, central, far side)
  • 1 GK
  • Multiple shooters or a feeder
  • Optional: a rope or string from post to post to help GK visualize the angle

Coaching points

  • Near-post angle: when the ball is wide on the GK's near side, they step toward the ball to shrink the near-post gap. The GK should be positioned on a line connecting the ball to the near post.
  • Far-post protection: when covering a near-post shot, the GK must not over-commit — a slight lean toward the near post still allows them to push off toward the far post for a deflection.
  • Central position: when the ball is central, the GK should stand on the 'bisector line' — equidistant from each post. This ensures equal distance to both posts.
  • Advancement: for shots from outside the box, advance 2–3 yards off the line to reduce the angle. For shots from inside the box, hold a position 1 yard off the line.
  • Lateral movement with the ball: as the ball moves, the GK moves. Many goals are scored simply because the GK didn't track the ball's position change during a cross or pass.

Common mistakes

  • Standing on the goal line for wide-angle shots — the GK is too far from the ball and too close to the post, leaving the near post wide open.
  • Over-advancing off the line — getting too far off the line exposes the far post to a chip or lob.
  • Not moving as the ball moves — the GK's position is relative to the ball. A static GK in the wrong position is always wrong.
  • Guessing (committing) before the shot — moving before the ball is struck allows the shooter to change target. Hold position until the shot is taken.
  • No reference points — GKs who don't train angle play can't identify when they're in the correct position. Use cones or markers to establish reference points during training.

When to use this drill

Use in dedicated GK training sessions at least twice per season. Angle play is a concept that needs occasional review and reinforcement — even experienced GKs drift back toward the goal line over time. Also use after a match where goals were conceded from wide angles.

Frequently asked questions

How far off the line should a GK be for a penalty?

On the goal line until the ball is struck — moving off the line before the kick is illegal. The GK's weight should be forward, ready to dive, but feet on the line.

How does a GK know their angle is correct?

Use the two-post check: glance at each post from your position. If the distance to each post along the 'angle line' is approximately equal to the calculated bisector, the position is correct.

What changes for a 1v1 situation vs. a shot from distance?

In a 1v1, advance much more aggressively (up to the penalty spot edge) to reduce the angle dramatically. From distance, stay 2–3 yards off the line maximum.

Can coaches help GKs with angle play during matches?

Yes — from the technical area, a coach can shout 'step up,' 'hold,' or 'left/right.' But the GK must also develop independent angle awareness.

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