Game version
Kneeling saves: a partner rolls soft balls to either side and you reach and scoop. The pair counts clean saves.
Keeper Kneeling Side Saves
Learn to go down to the side safely, starting from your knees.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth soccer coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Kneel on soft grass or a mat with your hands ready.
Core: A little farther. Beat your own best out of 10.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Soccer ball, partner, soft grass or mat
- Level · skill
- Developing · Defending
The steps
How it works
- Kneel on soft grass or a mat with your hands ready.
- Your partner rolls the ball a little to your side.
- Fall sideways onto your hip and shoulder, hands to the ball, and catch it.
- Do 8 each side, then try from a crouch.
Coaching point
Hands first, land on your side, never your elbow.
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 (close), Core (a little farther), More (a surprise side). Beat your own best out of 10.
Story
You are a goalie in a cape, saving the day from your knees.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best out of 10. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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