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Tactical

Positioning and Angles

Master goalkeeper positioning to narrow angles and maximise your coverage of the goal.

Intelligent positioning is what separates good goalkeepers from great ones. By positioning yourself correctly relative to the ball, the goal, and the attackers, you can make saves that look routine whilst poor positioning makes even saveable shots impossible. Understanding angles, depth, and adjusting position as play develops are fundamental tactical skills.

Key Points

  • 1Position yourself on the line between the ball and the centre of the goal
  • 2Adjust your depth based on shooting distance and angle
  • 3Move with the ball as play develops, constantly resetting your position
  • 4Consider both near and far post coverage, weighted by likely shot angles
  • 5Use your box awareness to maintain optimal position without looking back

Training Drills

  • ✓Angle work with shots from various positions around the box
  • ✓Positioning drill with ball movement and constant adjustments
  • ✓Video analysis of your positioning during matches
  • ✓Spatial awareness exercises using the goal frame and box
  • ✓Positioning under pressure with attackers running at you

Learn From the Pros

Thibaut Courtois's excellent positioning that makes difficult saves look easyAlisson Becker's positioning that closes down angles before shotsManuel Neuer's high starting position as a sweeper-keeperNick Pope's textbook positioning on crosses and set pieces

Ask FootballGPT

“How do I know where to position myself for different shots?”

“Should I stay on my line or come off it?”

“How do I narrow the angle without being vulnerable to chips?”

“What positioning should I take for different types of crosses?”

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "being on your angle" actually mean?

It means positioning yourself on the imaginary line between the ball and the centre of your goal. This ensures you're covering the maximum shooting area and not favouring one side. If you're off your angle, there will be an easier side to score.

How far off my line should I be?

It depends on the situation. For long-range shots, stay relatively close to your line to cover the top corners. For closer shots or 1v1s, come out to narrow the angle. Too far out makes you vulnerable to chips; too deep gives shooters too much goal to aim at. Balance is key.

How do I improve my positioning instincts?

Regular angle work in training with shots from different positions. Video analysis of your matches to see where you could improve. Understanding the geometry of the goal helps. Eventually, good positioning becomes instinctive through repetition and awareness.

Should I prioritise near post or far post coverage?

Generally weight your position slightly towards the near post as it's a shorter distance and easier to score. But don't over-commit as far post shots are common. Your positioning should make both posts difficult whilst making near post shots nearly impossible.

Related Guides

🧤Shot Stopping⚡Playing as a Sweeper Keeper⚡1v1 Situations

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goalkeeper positioningnarrowing anglesgoalkeeper anglestactical positioninggoalkeeper awarenessspatial awareness

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Positioning and Angles - Goalkeeper Guide | FootballGPT