⚽ Goalkeeping · Penalties
GK Penalty Technique
The GK's penalty technique is poorly coached at grassroots level.
GK Penalty Technique — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
GK holding their position until the last moment — central saves win more than early dives
◆Why this drill works
The GK's penalty technique is poorly coached at grassroots level. Most GKs simply dive to one side randomly. The research on penalty saving indicates that GKs who have a read-the-shooter approach — watching hips and run-up angle for cues — save at a statistically higher rate than those who pre-commit. This drill builds the observation skills rather than the dive reflex.
▦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
- 5 reps: GK stays central until the last possible moment. Don't dive early. Even if the penalty beats them, they are training the central hold position.
- Introduce the hip cue: GK watches the shooter's hips during the run-up. Hips typically open toward the target side. Train the observation, not the commitment.
- Penalty rotation: each outfield player takes a penalty in turn. GK attempts to read the hip cue and act on it.
- Discussion: GK names which side they thought the penalty was going before each kick. Check accuracy. Was the cue helpful?
- Shootout simulation: score tallied. Pressure context builds the composure skill.
✓Equipment checklist
- Balls8
- Bibs4
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- GK holding their position until the last moment — central saves win more than early dives
- Staying low — GKs who stand tall struggle to reach low corners
Correct when you see
- Pre-committing to a dive before the ball is struck — a GK who dives early and goes the wrong way is helpless
- Diving for every penalty — staying central wins a percentage of penalties; diving wins only if you guess correctly
★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 Penalty Technique suitable for?
This drill suits U13–adult. Scale the power and distance of service to the keeper's age and ability.
How many players do I need for GK Penalty Technique?
This drill works well with around 8 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 Penalty Technique 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.