Game version
Soft-ground saves: a partner rolls shots along the ground to either side and you collapse safely and hold the ball. The pair counts clean holds.
Goalkeeper Collapse Saves
Save low shots to the side by collapsing your body to the ground safely.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth soccer coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Start kneeling and fall sideways onto your hip and shoulder to catch a rolled ball.
Core: A step to the side. Beat your own best out of 8.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Soccer ball, partner, soft grass or mat
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Defending
The steps
How it works
- Start kneeling and fall sideways onto your hip and shoulder to catch a rolled ball.
- Progress to a squat start, then a standing start.
- Your partner rolls, then softly kicks, the ball just to your side.
- Do 10 saves each side.
Coaching point
Hands to the ball, fall on your side.
Safety: Practice falls on soft grass or a mat, start from your knees, and never dive at a player's feet without a coach.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (to your hands), Core (a step to the side), More (two steps). Beat your own best out of 8.
Story
You are a superhero landing safely after a rescue.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best out of 8. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
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