Split Stop

Objective

• -Save shots from both sides
• -Recover quickly after each save
• -Work on set position and reset

Setup

1. 1Set a goal with two shooting lanes, one left and one right.
2. 2Place a cone in each lane about 8 yards from goal.
3. 3One goalkeeper starts in goal and shooters stand by the cones with balls.

How to play

1. 1The first shooter strikes from one lane while the goalkeeper is set on the line.
2. 2Immediately after the save, the next shooter from the other lane strikes.
3. 3The goalkeeper must recover feet and reset between efforts.
4. 4Continue for a short burst before swapping the keeper.
5. 5Make sure shots are firm but 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 one shooter too long
• -Falling sideways after the first save
• -Not getting back into shape