⚽ Goalkeeping
GK Fundamentals — Set and Save
Goalkeeping at grassroots is desperately under-coached.
GK Fundamentals — Set and Save — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Hands behind the ball as a second barrier
◆Why this drill works
Goalkeeping at grassroots is desperately under-coached. Most clubs have one keeper per team, and they often don't get specialist work. This drill gives a non-specialist coach a structured 18-minute block that builds three real GK skills: set position (the ready stance), hand shape on saves (W-shape for high balls, scoop for low), and controlled dives (knee-down landing, not flailing). Even running this once a month transforms a kid's keeping. The drill scales — 1 GK + 1 coach minimum, up to 4 keepers rotating.
▦The drill in three phases
1Setup
Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.
2Action
Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.
3Finish
The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.
Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot
▶How to run it
- Set up a goal (or 4-yard wide cone goal if no real goal). Server stands 12 yards out with 6+ balls. GK starts in the centre of the goal in their 'ready' position.
- PHASE 1 — Set position (4 min). GK practices the ready stance: feet shoulder-width, weight on balls of feet, hands at hip level, slightly forward. Coach demonstrates, GK adopts the position. Server rolls slow balls along the ground; GK gets down behind it (knee tucked, not bent at the waist).
- PHASE 2 — Hand shape (5 min). Server throws/passes balls at chest and head height. GK uses the 'W' hand shape — thumbs touching, fingers spread, hands behind the ball, not in front. Catch and hold the ball, don't slap it away. Repeat 8–12 times.
- PHASE 3 — Low diving (4 min). Server places balls 1.5 yards either side of the GK. GK dives sideways — leading hand to the ball, trailing hand on top, land on the side (hip first, not flat on stomach), knee tucked. Walk through one slow rep first.
- PHASE 4 — High diving (3 min). Same as Phase 3 but balls are placed at chest height to the side. GK dives upward and across, hands meet the ball, knee comes through to control the landing.
- Final 2 minutes: 'Random serves'. Server mixes all heights and angles unpredictably. GK reacts. This is the test — do the techniques hold up under unpredictability?
✓Equipment checklist
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Hands behind the ball as a second barrier
- Quick distribution to start the attack
- Commanding the area and communicating with defenders
Correct when you see
- Going to ground too early in a 1v1 — stay big and patient
- Standing tall and reaching late — get into the set position early
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Goalkeeper Gloves (youth) | Grip and protection for keepers. | Check price → |
| Value | Training Footballs (6-pack) | Shot-stopping reps. | Check price → |
| Upgrade | Agility Ladder | Footwork and reactions. | Check price → |
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?Frequently asked questions
What age group is GK Fundamentals — Set and Save suitable for?
This drill suits youth. Scale the power and distance of service to the keeper's age and ability.
How many players do I need for GK Fundamentals — Set and Save?
This drill works well with around 6 players. With fewer, reduce the groups or rotate players through; with more, set up multiple stations so everyone stays active rather than queuing.
How long does GK Fundamentals — Set and Save take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 15 minutes to run it — about 18 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.