Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): FAW/UEFA B GK Session 1 (Start Time: 2025-09-16 20:00:00)
FAW Coach Ed
Thomas Rees
Description
Defending the Goal
Total Time: 25 minutes
Structure: 5’ Activation → 10’ Recognised → 10’ Random
Fundamentals: Stance & Set Position, Footwork, Handling, Diving, Shot-stopping
Theme: Out of possession – protecting the goal in direct shooting scenarios.
Equipment: 1 full-size goal, 6 balls minimum, 4 cones (goal area width markers), 2 mannequins or poles, bibs.
Pitch Layout / Area
Size: 18–20m from goal line (width of 18-yard box).
Set-up: 1 full goal, 1 server 12–16m out (central), 2 mannequins just outside the D to simulate traffic.
GKs rotate: 1 working, 2 recovering/resetting behind goal.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
10 mins
RECOGNISED PRACTICE (10 minutes) – Positioning & Save Selection
Objective: Improve positioning and save selection for central and angled shots.
Organisation:
Area: same goal, servers positioned centre and wide (16–18m out).
GK starts central; servers alternate strikes.
Shots delivered with pace and variety: low, mid, high.
GK must reposition and set each time before strike.
Instructions to GK:
Track ball as server switches side (micro-shuffles).
Adjust depth depending on angle (narrow angle = step forward).
Decide: catch clean, parry wide, or deflect over.
Recover to set shape for rebound when needed.
Coaching Points (layered):
Technical:
Feet quiet before strike, short power step into dive.
Hands forward through line of the ball.
Absorb pace – no rebounds central.
Tactical:Start slightly advanced on angle (cover near post, ready to push).
Recognise flight/strike type early.
Physical:Quick spring back to set; maintain balance after dive.
Psychological:Confidence in body language.
Quick emotional reset after any error.
Progression:
Servers add feints or touches before shooting.
GK must read body cues and react late.
See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.
10 mins
RANDOM PRACTICE (10 minutes) – Reactions, Second Phase, and Decision-Making
Objective: Apply shot-stopping skills in realistic, unpredictable scenarios.
Organisation:
Add a 2nd server wide on each flank, 1 central rebounder.
Server A: wide delivery or shot.
Server B: follows up with a cut-back, rebound, or central strike.
GK must reposition, set, and save accordingly.
Rotate every 2 minutes.
Area: 18-yard box width x 20m length.
Instructions to GK:
Constant scanning between ball & threats.
Communicate defenders (mannequin) position.
After each action, recover on feet and re-set before next shot.
Coaching Points:
Technical:
Recovery footwork (small crossover + set).
Hands forward, attack the ball, angle body slightly forward.
Tactical:Decision to catch vs parry vs block based on distance.
Push rebounds wide of the 6-yard box.
Physical:Explosive recovery from ground.
Maintain alertness under fatigue.
Psychological:Anticipation – be proactive, not reactive.
Composure under chaos; control breathing after sequence.
Progression:
Introduce one live striker for rebounds.
Reduce reaction time between shots (2–3 seconds).
Coaching Reflection Questions:
Were the keepers consistently set before strike?
Did they make the correct save choice (catch, parry, block)?
How effective was their recovery footwork?
Did communication improve confidence and control?
Play animation
Play step-by-step
Repeat (toggle)
Full Screen
Pause
Stop
5 mins
Pitch Layout / Area
Size: 18–20m from goal line (width of 18-yard box).
Set-up: 1 full goal, 1 server 12–16m out (central), 2 mannequins just outside the D to simulate traffic.
GKs rotate: 1 working, 2 recovering/resetting behind goal.
ACTIVATION (5 minutes) – Handling & Set Shape under Low Load
Objective: Reinforce set position, hand shape, and rhythm into saves.
Organisation:
GK in goal; server 8–10m away with 6 balls.
Sequence:
3 volleys to hands.
3 low scoops.
3 half-volleys (chest height).
3 ground shots.
GKs work through rhythm, then rotate.
Instructions to GK:
Stay light on feet, small pre-step before shot.
Catch, secure, reset stance quickly.
Maintain focus and communication (“set,” “ball”).
Coaching Points:
Stance: feet shoulder-width, knees flexed, “nose over toes.”
Hands: alive in front of hips, eyes through thumbs (“W” shape).
Balance: quiet feet before strike.
Recovery: quick reset between actions – mental and physical.
Communication: clear “Keeper!” and reset body language.
Progression: Increase service tempo; encourage GKs to cue set on server’s movement, not verbal call.