Cone Box Saves

Objective

• -Work on footwork into the save
• -Link movement with set position
• -Use short sharp actions in a tight area

Setup

1. 1Make a small square with cones and place a ball rack or spare balls nearby.
2. 2One goalkeeper starts in the middle of the square.
3. 3The coach stands outside the square with balls.

How to play

1. 1The coach points to a cone and the goalkeeper moves quickly to touch it, then returns to the middle.
2. 2As the goalkeeper returns, the coach serves a low or mid-height shot.
3. 3The goalkeeper makes the save and the coach repeats to a different cone.
4. 4After a set number of balls, swap the goalkeeper.
5. 5Keep deliveries controlled and focus on clean technique.

Progressions

• +Set Position Check: serve early to shorten the set time
• +Blind Serve: add a deflection off a mannequin
• +Distribution Exit: coach calls the target after the save
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Set Position Check: announce the serve so the keeper can prepare
• -Blind Serve: serve slower and from further out
• -Distribution Exit: one fixed target every time
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Set Position Check — The keeper must be fully set — feet split, hands ready — before every strike.
• -Blind Serve — The keeper starts facing away or with a screen blocking sight of the strike.
• -Distribution Exit — Every save or catch must be followed by a chosen distribution: throw, side-volley or pass to a full-back.
• -Handling Volume — Ten unbroken repetitions per set with clean handling — a drop means the set restarts.
• -1v1 Situation — A live attacker runs onto the ball, so the keeper must decide to close, hold or spread.
• -Cross Claiming — Serves come as crosses from both sides with a passive attacker in the six yard box.
• -Fatigue Finish — Finish each set with three saves in ten seconds to work handling under fatigue.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Moving without control
• -Saving while off balance
• -Dropping hands on the return