Shot-stopping
A focused subset of the goalkeeping library — 3 drills across U9 to adult.
Shot-stopping drills cover the keeper's core skill — preventing the ball crossing the line. Set position, footwork, hand position, diving technique, reflex saves. The drills here range from simple repetition work for U10 keepers to advanced 1v1 saves for U14+.
3 drills · Ages U9–adult · 5v5 · 7v7 · 9v9 · 11v11
GK Fundamentals — Set and Save
Goalkeeping at grassroots is desperately under-coached. Most clubs have one keeper per team, and they often don't g…
GK 1v1 Saves — Set and Hold
Most U11–U13 goalkeepers can stop straightforward shots but have poor hand technique — they parry when they should …
GK Reaction Saves — Close-Range Sequence
Match-realistic shot-stopping requires fast reset between saves — a goalkeeper who takes 3 seconds to recover after…
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About shot-stopping
Shot-stopping is taught best with high repetition at increasing intensity. Start with the ball delivered cleanly to known positions; progress to varied positions; progress to unpredictable serves with the keeper moving. Every shot-stopping session should include the deflected save (parried away, not held) — most goals at grassroots level come from rebounds, not first shots. The keeper who handles the rebound correctly saves matches.
How these shot-stopping drills fit into a session
Most coaches use a shot-stopping drill as the technical block of a session — the 15–25 minute window after the warm-up and before the small-sided game. The drills here range from U9 content through to adult material; pick the one that matches your squad's age and current developmental focus. Each drill is self-contained, with setup time, run time, equipment list, and coaching cues clearly laid out.
Related coaching resources
For session plans built around the same theme, browse the goalkeeping session library. For drills covering the broader goalkeeping category beyond just shot-stopping, see the main goalkeeping drills page — it includes everything here plus the wider range of goalkeeping-themed work.
?FAQ
What is Shot-stopping?
Shot-stopping drills cover the keeper's core skill — preventing the ball crossing the line. Set position, footwork, hand position, diving technique, reflex saves. The drills here range from simple repetition work for U10 keepers to advanced 1v1 saves for U14+.
Is this free to use on SimpleDrills?
Yes — all coaching content on SimpleDrills, including this page, is free to view, print, and use with your team.