Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Low Saves

Exercise 1 (15 mins)

Set Up: 3 sets of cones set up as diagram shows. 1 pole either side of 2 and 3 cones to create 'goal'.

Aim: Improve low save technique. 3 different exercises - 2-3 minutes on each exercise before moving on. If numbers don't allow for all 3 to run at one time, then run individually. Emphasise quality serve from the player, if they are serving the ball, and high intensity from the goalkeeper.

All exercises start with quick shuffle through the cones:

1) quick feet through to low scoop save.

2) quick feet through into low dive to right

3) quick feet through into low dive to left

Coaching Points:

Create a barrier by getting body behind the ball. Create space for hands to scoop ball on low save by bending knee to lower body. Do not scoop over the bent knee.

Step toward ball, lead the body with hands and feet, for diving save.

Hands should go the ball, rather than letting ball come to players body.

Emphasise ready/set position. Compact body shape (knees bent, feet shoulder width, hands near hips, elbows tucked in to body).

Exercise 3 (10 mins)

Set Up:

Server (by the side of the goal) throws the ball into player 1, who punches (to replicate a header) toward the near post. Goalkeeper must start facing the server and shuffle across, and react to save, as the ball moves.

As soon as the save is made the must get up quickly and move across to face a long shot/throw from player 2

Alteration: For younger age groups (u11 below) where heading is not allowed, serves and shot should be on the ground for the 1st save.

Coaching Points:

Body behind the ball

Move feet to cover angles

Set position to react quickly to the ball

body weight going forward away from the goal

Emphasise previous coaching points