Footwork square with a shot at any moment
Square of four cones in front of the goal: the keeper moves to any of the cones with changes of direction and repositions according to the server, who can shoot at any moment during the pattern.
Step 1Cono rojo
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El entrenador nombra un cono; el portero va con pasos cortos y vuelve al centro con cambio de dirección.
Objective
Move with short, balanced steps so the keeper is always on a platform to push off from, even when the shot arrives mid-movement.
Organisation
Full-size goal. 4x6 m square marked with four cones in front of the goal, between the goal line and the six-yard box. Keeper in the centre of the square. Server with balls 10-14 m out, changing position during the drill.
Development
- 1The keeper starts in the centre of the square in the set position.
- 2The coach calls or points to a cone: the keeper moves to it (lateral, forward, backward or diagonal depending on the cone), touches or rounds it and returns to the centre with a change of direction.
- 3They chain three or four cones in a row with short steps, no crossing of the feet and head up looking at the server.
- 4Every time they come back they must reposition inside the square according to the server's position, not always on the same spot.
- 5At first the server shoots only when the keeper is in the centre; later they can shoot at any moment of the pattern, even while the keeper is moving away.
- 6Sets of 45-60 seconds with equal rest; 4-6 sets changing the server's side.
Coaching points4
- Short, sharp steps, not big strides: the keeper stays balanced with a platform to push off if the shot comes early.
- Head up at all times: the information is in the server, not in the cones.
- Always return to a spot in the square that matches the ball's position.
- Stop with the feet shoulder-width apart before the save.
Common mistakes3
- Running to the cones with long strides and arriving unbalanced for the shot.
- Looking at the ground or the cones and missing the moment of the shot.
- Returning to the same central spot without adjusting to the server.
Variations3
- Replace the voice call with cone colours or visual signals from the coach.
- Two servers at different angles; the one with the ball sets the positioning reference.
- Round the cone instead of touching it to lengthen the movement.
Progressions2
- Introduce collapse and extension dives: shots go to the sides, not into the hands.
- Server shoots at any moment of the movement without warning.
Regressions2
- Smaller square (3x4 m) and shots only when the keeper is still in the centre.
- Hand serves into the keeper's hands.
Tips
- Use four different cone colours so the call is instant.
- Count shots saved from a balanced position versus those saved off balance.