Front Block

Objective

• -Save close-range shots
• -Close space quickly in face-to-face moments
• -Use hands and body shape together

Setup

1. 1Make a small goal area with cones and a full-size goal.
2. 2One goalkeeper starts in goal.
3. 3A shooter starts 6 to 8 yards out with a ball.

How to play

1. 1The shooter takes a touch and finishes from close range.
2. 2The goalkeeper moves forward to narrow the space and blocks or catches.
3. 3If the ball rebounds, the goalkeeper recovers and secures it.
4. 4Reset at pace and repeat from different starting spots.
5. 5Keep the turn length short to maintain energy.

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

• -Backing away from the shot
• -Turning side-on too early
• -Trying to scoop when a block is better