COVER THE DEPTH
One of the tactical aspects to teach and train with the goalkeepers: cover deep space. In this case, stimulated with the mix training method.
After a warm up based in dive technique attacking the ball, we can see the principal part of the training where the keeper has to analyze, interpret, evaluate and decide the action to do more convenient to each case: reducing spaces to play 1 vs 1 with the rival attacker or going to take the ball anticipating him to cover the deep space.
It’s very important a correct evaluation of the situation to know who has the positional advantage in reference to the ball.
EXERCISE DESCRIPTION
The yellow figures simulate being the centre backs and the white doll the defensive midfielder. Behind it, there is a wooden platform that I used as a rebounder. The intention is to execute the task with as many variables as possible to make the goalkeeper’s intrepretation difficult, taking into account that the main objective is cover deep space.
From simulating a 1-2 with the rebounder and shooting at goal, to make a deep pass between the centre fullbakcs or directly it is passing the ball to one of the attackers, to modify the starting position of the deep ball, etc. Different variants that could happen in a real match.
Once keepers execute the task with appropiate reading and interpretation, this distance could be modified. These changes will affect directly the goalie’s interpretation.
These game actions often happen in a futbol game. We should not assume that the protagonist will solve situations in effective, efficient and convenient manner. For this reason, for those who have difficulties defending deep spaces, it will be necessary to generate training sessions presenting conditions to help them develop those resolving capacity.
On the other hand, although the exercises presented are usually useful, we should know that the evolution of the task through methodological progression plays a fundamental role. In other words, continue to stimulate this objective through global exercises, with the presence of real defenders for example a situation that will get even closer to competitive reality.
IVÁN AGUSTÍN RIVERA