Drills / With a friend

Shoot and save

One shoots from a line, one saves. Swap after five. Both players learn: one to place a shot, the other to set and catch.

Players
You and a friend
Space
A goal (or two cones 4 m apart) and 12 m in front of it
Kit
1 or 2 balls, 2 cones for the shooting line
Time
12 minutes
Age
Under-8s and older
SHOOT FROM HERESETKS
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Set up

  • Mark a shooting line 8 m from goal (10 m for older players).
  • One player in goal, one on the line with the ball.

How it works

  1. The shooter takes a touch and shoots from behind the line.
  2. The keeper sets their feet before the shot, then saves or catches.
  3. Five shots each, then swap. Count saves and goals.

What to work on

  • Shooter: pick a corner before you shoot, and keep it low.
  • Keeper: get "set", feet shoulder-width apart and weight forward, as the shooter swings their leg.
  • Keeper: hands in a W shape behind the ball for shots at chest height, and scoop low balls up into your chest.
  • Keeper: get your body behind the ball when you can, so a fumble does not go in.

Easier

Underarm throws instead of shots, for younger keepers.

Harder

The shooter dribbles in from 15 m and shoots whenever they like.

Especially good for: goalkeeper.

Safety. Start with gentle shots. Keepers should not dive on hard ground. Use grass and save diving for when you have gloves and some practice.

Try next

Drills that work the same skills.