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Shot-stoppingAnalyticTechnique

Saving the medium-range shot (u12)

Train reading and saving the shot from distance, deciding between catching and parrying to safety — the long-range shot was under-covered at young ages.

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Load

minutes
10
dives/set
4
Sets and reps
3 × 5
Intensity
Medium

dives per set, per goalkeeper

Microcycle days it fits

MD-3, MD-2

Each bar’s height is that day’s dive ceiling.

Setup

Goalkeepers
1
server
1
outfield player
0

Space: 12 × 18 m

Equipment: Balls, Full goal

The coach serves and manages the breaks.

1 steps

Shots from outside the box to the corners. The goalkeeper reads the trajectory early, chooses to catch when possible, or to parry away from the post and out of the rebound zone when not.

Exercise sequence

Coaching points

  • Read the shot at foot contact, not when the ball is already coming — time is won in the read, not the hands.
  • Catch whenever the ball comes clean; parry when it comes hard or with spin, away from the post.
  • The parry guides the ball wide, never into the middle of the box where the rebound lives.
  • Find the set position again after each save, because the play may continue.

Progressions

  1. Shot with no warning.
  2. Add spin to the ball.

Regressions

  1. Announced, slower shot.
  2. Bring the server closer.

Sources · 2

  1. BookLeonhard Zeilinger e Franz Gruber, «The Ultimate Guide to Goalkeeper Training: Develop Motor Skills, Technique, Tactics, and Mindset» (Meyer & Meyer Sport, 2025), ISBN 9781782552918
  2. StudyData-driven strength and conditioning, and technical training programs for goalkeeper’s diving save in football (2022)