Footwork Between Poles Before the Save
Goalkeeper movement circuit: lateral zigzag between poles, a diagonal shuffle back to the set position and a save from a low strike by the coach.
Step 1Zigzag entre picas
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Desplazamientos laterales en zigzag entre las picas y diagonal hasta el centro de la portería.
Objective
Improve the speed and technique of the goalkeeper's lateral and diagonal movements so they arrive balanced in the position to make the save.
Organisation
Goal area and edge of the box with a full-size goal. One goalkeeper, a coach with balls about 18 m from the goal line and four poles in a line 8 m from goal, 4-5 m apart. A cone marks the start of the course next to the post.
Development
- 1The goalkeeper starts beside the first post in the set position, facing the coach.
- 2On the signal, they shuffle laterally in a zigzag between the poles without crossing their feet, passing alternately in front of and behind each pole.
- 3After the last pole they move diagonally to the centre of the goal and stop in the set position with balanced feet.
- 4The coach strikes low to the near post as soon as the goalkeeper is set; the goalkeeper shuffles and saves.
- 5After returning the ball, the goalkeeper makes a diagonal movement towards the far post and back to the centre; the coach strikes again at mid height to the other side.
- 6Perform 4-6 repetitions per set, alternating the direction of the zigzag.
Coaching points4
- Short, quick steps with a low centre of gravity and hands in front of the body throughout.
- Never cross the feet on lateral movements; on diagonals, the first step is with the foot nearest the destination.
- Fix the set position before the strike: feet shoulder-width apart and weight on the balls of the feet.
- Keep the eyes on the ball while moving between the poles.
Common mistakes3
- Arriving at the centre of the goal still moving and facing the shot off balance.
- Raising the hands and standing tall during the zigzag.
- Taking steps that are too long and delay the stop.
Variations3
- Replace the low strike with a mid-height or high ball to work different save techniques.
- The coach chooses when to strike without waiting for the goalkeeper to be set, forcing a save on the move.
- Perform the zigzag backwards to work backward movement.
Progressions2
- Add an immediate second ball to the opposite side after the first save.
- Place the poles closer together and increase the tempo.
Regressions2
- Reduce the poles to two and remove the second save.
- Run the course at a controlled pace without a final strike.
Tips
- Time the run from the signal to the set position to give objective feedback.
- Use this drill early in the session, while the goalkeeper is fresh, to prioritise technical quality.