This can be done in front of a goal or in an open field. If setting up in front of a net, start the placement of the flags 10 yards from the outside post. Place two flags 5 yards forward of the goal line. Tie string or rope between the two flags between chest and hip height. Place a high hurdle two yards to the left of the flags (looking towards goal) and two yards forward. Place a low cone 5 yards to the left of the flag and another low cone 10 yards from the back flag. Keeper starts by standing to the left of the hurdle. Upon the coaches signal the keeper jumps to the right with both feet over the hurdle, backpeddles along the flags, and shuffles to the right where they reach down and touch the cone. After touching the cone they shuffle quickly to the left towards the middle of the flags. The coach puts in a low ball to the right of the flags where the keeper will dive under the rope to make a save. Do 5 reps. Lower the rope to about knee height. Repeat the process except the coach will serve a high ball where the keeper will have to jump over the rope to make the save. After 5 reps of low and high serves switch sides.
Start the set by serving a ball at chest height that is caught and returned by keeper.
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
sportplan_football
Deliberate heading is now out of U11 grassroots matches. Here is how to coach chest, thigh and foot control so your players still win the ball in the air.
Long-range goals doubled at the 2026 World Cup as teams sat deep. Here is how to coach when to shoot from distance, the technique, and the follow-up.
Under FutureFit, your Under-9s stay at 5v5, your Under-11s stay at 7v7 and your Under-13s stay at 9v9. Same pitch, same numbers, one more year. Here is how to make sure that year feels like a step forward rather than a repeat.
