Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Save Selection

Screen 1 (10 mins)

Key Factors - Dealing with shots from central areas. GK being able to deal with varying shots on goal from central areas of the pitch.

Organisation (TECHNIQUE)

Full size goal using the central area of the final third of a full size pitch. GK stands in set position roughly 2 yards off the goal line. The server is standing 20-25 yards away outside of the 18 yard box in a central position marked by 6 cones. The server shoots the static ball at the goal from anywhere within the zone, forcing the GK into a save.

Progressions

- Server aiming shots lower/higher to vary type of save the GK has to make.

- Server volleys/half volleys the ball.

Key Technical Points:

- GK’s set/starting positions (2 yards off the goal line, feet shoulder width apart, slight bend in knee, weight forward (nose in front of toes), elbows tucked in but forward and away from the body, hands in comfortable but ready position, eyes on the ball. Adjusting starting position in relation to the ball.

- Correct technique (high static/diving save, low static/diving save, scoop pick up) is being used dependant on the feed.

- Ball is being forced into safe area away from the goal after the initial save.

- Goalkeeper reacts to loose ball after save (recovery save or recovery line)

Screen 3 (20 mins)

Key Factors - Dealing with shots from central areas. GK being able to deal with varying shots on goal from central areas of the pitch.

Organisation (SSG)

2 x goals (1 x full size / 1 x 9v9 size) Full size goal in standard position on pitch. 9v9 size goal on half way line in central position. Pitch marked out using white discs (width of 18 yard box to half way line). Rectangular shooting zone marked out in central area of the pitch using red discs with zone end closer to the 9v9 goal. Zone at full size goal ends on the 18 yard line. Zone is 2 yards wider than the width of the "D". 2 teams of 4 players (1 x GK and 3/4 x Outfield) with 2 neutral players inside shooting zone (progression). Teams identified using bibs. Spare balls near to goals to prevent delays in play. Objective of the game is to score in your opponents goal. 

Open play with no restrictions to start. 

If the shots are not coming from central areas move to progression (see diagram)- Only players who can score a goal are the neutral players. Neutral players operate with the team in possession/attacking. No touch restrictions on neutral or outfield players. Only neutral players allowed in the shooting zone with the ball. Teams can run/pass the ball through the zone without the ball. Neutral players can not be challenged insode the zone.

 Additional Progression

- Limit touches allowed by neutral players to encourage faster/first time shooting.

- Add another neutral player to increase shots. (Take a player from the team who has had the most shots in the game to overload other team and increase shots at the opposite end)