Drill Library
GoalkeepingHandlingFootworkSet Position

GK Handling & Set Position

Get set, hands ready, catch clean — the foundation of every save a goalkeeper makes.

Open diagram

Theme

Goalkeeping

Difficulty

Foundation

Duration

16 min

Players (min–rec–max)

2–3–6

Area

12 × 10 yards

Session phase

Main

Age groups

U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U18, Adult

Equipment

goal, balls, cones

Objective

Build core goalkeeping technique: a balanced set position, quick feet to get behind the ball, and clean, secure handling.

Set-up

Keeper in goal, a server in front with a supply of balls; cones to mark the set-position spot.

How it runs

  1. Server throws or strikes balls at varying heights; the keeper sets, then handles.
  2. Reset to the set position between every serve.
  3. Mix it up: chest, waist, low, and to either side.
  4. Build to firmer serves as the technique holds up.

Coaching points

  • Set position: balanced, weight forward, hands ready out in front.
  • Get the body behind the ball — make a second barrier.
  • Catch with a 'W' hands for high, scoop with the body for low.
  • Secure it to the chest — no spills, no parries when you can catch.

Common mistakes

  • The keeper sets too late and saves off balance — set before the strike, every rep.
  • Hands are apart on the W catch — thumbs together, strong wrists, catch in front of the eyes.
  • Keepers parry catchable balls when tired — catch first; parry is the backup decision.

Progressions

  • Add a quick reset and a second serve.
  • Serve from different angles.
  • Firmer, more awkward heights.

Regressions

  • Softer, slower serves.
  • Throws only.
  • One height at a time.

Constraints

  • Must return to set position before each serve.

Tags

goalkeepinghandlingset-positiontechnique