1 Cone Touch Collapse Dive Drill

5 Cone Hike Drill

4 Cone Challenge

Dimensions: One goal and a supply of soccer balls around the penalty spot. Set up 4 tall 9” cones two by either goalpost. One keeper occupies the goal, one player gets ready to shoot the balls.

How to: The goalkeeper is tested here on their diving ability, reaction and recovery time and agility. The keeper moves towards one cone and knocks it over, once the cone has been knocked down a player is allowed to shoot on goal. The keeper then moves to knock another cone over and attempts to save the resulting shot. Play resumes until all the cones are knocked over.

Coaching Points: The idea of this is to work the goalkeeper hard, it should be played at a fast pace, remember the overall aim is to make this as difficult for the goalkeeper as possible without making it impossible, so do not shoot into the opposite corner at full power when the keeper has just knocked a cone over! Test the keeper at every opportunity, the keeper may get into a rhythm of believing you will always shoot into the biggest space, try wrong footing the keeper by shooting the ball near where they have just knocked a cone over and see if they can change their balance and momentum in time.

Progressions: Throw a bonus “rebound shot” ball in after the keeper has made a save to see if they are quick enough to make the double save.

2 Cone Shooting Drill

6 Cone Agility Drill

Fast Footwork and Agility

Dimensions: One goal with a ball placed on the 18 yard line. Place a number of cones 1 foot in front of the other leading towards the penalty spot. At the end of the row of cones place two soccer balls on cones just shorter than arms length apart (adjust that distance on your own players arm span)

How to: The goalkeeper is being tested on their footwork, body position, ability to make themselves big in a 1v1 scenario and their agility/shot stopping ability. The keeper performs a fast footwork exercise between the cones and then gets low and spreads their arms to make themselves a big target, to emphasise making themselves big they must knock both balls off their cones, this signals the shot from the 18 yard box. The keeper must attempt to save the resulting shot.

Coaching Points: keep your balance moving through the cones, remember to focus on technique over speed initially, when getting into position to make the save bend your knees and keep your weight even to be ready to move in any direction. Put your arms out wide with your hands out facing to make your frame big and increase your chances of making a save, stay on your feet for as long as possible before the shot is taken.

Progressions: Bonus “rebound shot” to be thrown/kicked once the keeper has made the initial save to test their recovery and ability to get back into position and determination

10 Ball Drill

Overarm Throwing Drill

Footwork and Diving

Dimensions: One goal with a ball placed just behind the penalty spot. Place 4 tall orange cones in a small square, tie a piece of string around the cones if you have the facility to, to create a box for players to jump in and out of.

How to: The goalkeeper is being tested on their jumping, diving and agility here. The goalkeeper steps up and hops up over the cones into the box and jumps out to either the left or the right, the coach/player then takes a shot/throws the ball up towards the goal on the other side of the box to the player. The goalkeeper then attempts to dive and save the ball. (soft crash mats can be used if available to build the keepers’ confidence in diving.)

Coaching Points: practice getting a good leap off the ground; greater ground clearance will mean you have a better full stretch reach for high shots. Use the cones as a reference, if you clip your feet on the cones you will know you didn’t get a good enough starting leap.

Progressions: Bonus “rebound shot” to be thrown/kicked once the keeper has made the initial save to test their recovery and ability to get back into position and determination.