Target Hands

Objective

• -Catch with clean hand shape
• -Receive different heights safely
• -Build confidence with simple service

Setup

1. 1Mark a small square with cones.
2. 2One goalkeeper works in the centre.
3. 3Two or three servers stand around the edge with balls.

How to play

1. 1Servers throw or roll balls to different body heights.
2. 2The goalkeeper receives each ball with the correct technique and returns it to the server.
3. 3The coach varies the speed and height of the next service.
4. 4Keep the distance short and the action tidy.
5. 5Rotate the goalkeeper after a short spell.

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

• -Catching with hard hands
• -Not moving the feet first
• -Letting the ball bounce away