Shot-stopping

This is a major part of the goalkeeper’s on-pitch diet. There are elements of technicality within the practice but it quickly grows into game-related work, where positioning and decision-making are key for the goalkeepers. They will be under pressure if not catching to parry the ball through the corner of the six-yard box so as not to give up close-range chances.

It would run on a MD-4 strength day as it brings out a high physical output: dive count, explosive actions and agility, making saves that relate to the game. The practice can be adapted easily to bring in a 1v1 saving opportunity too.

TECHNICAL

We set up around the penalty area in a space of 44yd x 22yd, with two mannequins placed inside the box, parallel to the end of the semi-circle. We run with one goalkeeper and four servers; we can use spare goalkeepers as the servers and rotate after each set. Player 1 serves a throw for a mid-height step and dive save. The goalkeeper deals with it and gets up quickly to cross-step across the goal [1a]. 

[1a]

1. Player 1 serves throw for mid-height step and dive save

2. Goalkeeper deals with it and gets up quickly to cross-step across goal 

Player 2 then passes to Player 3 to control and shoot, while Player 4 follows in for the rebound [1b]. Repeat the activity from the opposite side, and run it for four to six reps on each side.

[1b]

1. Player 2 passes to Player 3 to control and shoot

2. Player 4 follows in for rebound 

GAME-RELATED

We set up in the same way as the first activity. Player 1 side-foots low for a diving save. The goalkeeper deals with it, then quickly gets up and across the goal [2a]. 

[2a]

1. Player 1 side-foots low for diving save

2. Goalkeeper deals with it, then quickly gets up and across goal

Player 2 plays a pass to Player 4, who can go inside or outside the mannequin and shoot. Player 3 follows in for any rebounds [2b].

[2b]

1. Player 2 plays pass to Player 4, who in this example goes inside mannequin and shoots

   Player 3 follows in for rebounds 

RANDOM

Again, we set up in the same way. Player 1 can serve a low or mid-height diving save on either side. The goalkeeper deals with the save and gets up quickly [3a]. 

[3a]

1. Player 1 serves for a low or mid-height diving save 

2. Goalkeeper deals with save and gets up quickly 

Player 2 plays to Player 3, who can go either side of mannequin to shoot, or set back to Player 2 to shoot. Player 4 follows in for rebounds [3b].

[3b]

1. Player 2 plays to Player 3, who in this example goes outside mannequin and sets back to Player 2 to shoot

2. Player 4 follows in for rebounds 

We can progress by going into a practice with the full squad after this. The outfield practice would be a small-sided game of 4v4, 5v5 or 6v6, and the game would bring out these kinds of saves created in the goalkeeping session. The goalkeepers can keep score of goals conceded and saves made so it stays competitive throughout the whole session from the goalkeeping session to the main session.

What are the key things to look out for?

We are looking for: goalkeepers to have a good technical diving shape; good agility to get up; footwork speed across the goal, using initial cross-step over bigger distances; set position and hand position, with depth in goal decided on the touch of the attacker; protecting four-yard goal or gate on the angle; making catch, block or parry decisions, with the catch preferable; and agility to get up if the ball is not parried through the six-yard box to safety.

What are the typical mistakes players might make and how do I avoid them?

Typical mistakes might be: trying to deal with the first save too quickly and mishandling; not setting on shot contact; parrying into central areas and conceding another chance.