Dipping Saves

Objective

• -Handle rising and dipping shots
• -Judge ball flight early
• -Improve hand shape above waist height

Setup

1. 1Place a goal with a shooter 10 to 14 yards out.
2. 2Set two cones to mark the shooting lane.
3. 3One goalkeeper starts in goal and another player feeds balls.

How to play

1. 1The shooter strikes balls with a bit of lift and dip, not full power.
2. 2The goalkeeper tracks the ball and uses the correct save technique.
3. 3After each shot, the keeper resets quickly for the next one.
4. 4Alternate between higher and lower flighted shots.
5. 5Keep the tempo steady and controlled.

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

• -Watching the ball too late
• -Stiff hands on impact
• -Landing off balance