⚽ Goalkeeping
Penalty Saving
Penalty saving is more about psychological preparation than technique.
Penalty Saving — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Set position with weight balanced and ready to move
◆Why this drill works
Penalty saving is more about psychological preparation than technique. The GK who dives late based on body language saves more penalties than the GK with perfect technique who dives too early. This drill builds the habit: watch the plant foot, commit late, dive through the ball.
▦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
- GK faces 5 regular penalty-takers. 10 penalties each.
- Coach instructs GK: watch the plant foot direction. Note which side each taker tends to favour.
- GK practises committing at last possible moment — dives when foot makes contact, not during run-up.
- Track: note direction of each penalty and where GK dove. Build a tendency chart.
- Competition: taker vs GK. 3 penalties each. Taker wins if they score 2+.
✓Equipment checklist
- Balls8
- Cones6
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Set position with weight balanced and ready to move
- Hands behind the ball as a second barrier
- Quick distribution to start the attack
Correct when you see
- Spilling the ball forward — catch it or parry it wide
- Slow distribution letting the opposition recover
★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 Penalty Saving suitable for?
This drill suits U14–U15. Scale the power and distance of service to the keeper's age and ability.
How many players do I need for Penalty Saving?
This drill works well with around 12 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 Penalty Saving take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 14 minutes to run it — about 17 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.