Keeper Footwork Across Goal

Objective

• -Move across goal and be set before every strike
• -Handle cleanly after moving
• -Build keeper-specific footwork without a queue

Setup

1. 1Full goal with cones marking near post, centre and far post positions.
2. 2Server with a supply of balls twelve yards out.
3. 3One keeper working, one recovering.

How to play

1. 1Keeper shuffles to the called cone, sets, then saves the serve.
2. 2Six saves per set, then swap or rest.
3. 3Alternate low, mid-height and high serves.

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

• -Still moving when the ball is struck
• -Crossing the feet and losing balance
• -Hands late and behind the body