The heartbeat of any soccer team? That’s right; it’s the goalkeeper. The last line of defense, the one who can turn defeat into victory with a single save. As a high-school soccer coach with two decades of experience under my belt, I can attest to the importance of goalkeeper training. It’s not about stopping shots; it’s about reading the game, positioning, quick reflexes, and a whole lot more.
Goalkeepers face a unique set of challenges and goals. They need to command their area, communicate with their defense, and make split-second decisions under immense pressure. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of goalkeeper training, starting with the most crucial part: the warm-up.
How to Warm Up Before Soccer Goalie Drills
Why Warming Up Is Important for Goalkeepers
Never underestimate the power of a solid warm-up. It’s the most critical part of any training session, especially for goalkeepers. Warming up prepares the body and mind for the session ahead, helps prevent injuries, and can improve overall performance.
As a general rule of thumb, a goalkeeper’s warm-up should last around 15 to 20 minutes and be just intense enough to break a sweat but not leave you panting. Remember, it’s about priming the body, not exhausting it.
Also, remember to use a spare pair of gloves for training sessions. You want to keep your best goalkeeper gloves as new as possible when game time comes.
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What to Include in a Goalkeeper Warm-Up
A goalkeeper’s warm-up should consist of four key components:
- Dynamic Stretches: These are movements that stretch your muscles through a full range of motion. Some examples include leg swings, arm circles, and lunges.
- Jogging and Skipping: This helps increase your heart rate and get your blood flowing. It’s not about speed; it’s about warming up your body.
- Activation Exercises: These are exercises that wake up your muscles and get them ready for action. Think of exercises like squats, jumping jacks, or quick lateral movements.
- Ball Work: Nothing gets a goalkeeper ready like working with the actual ball. This could be simple tossing and catching, rolling the ball, or bouncing it against a wall.
Types of Soccer Goalie Drills
Handling Drills
These focus on improving your catching and handling skills, whether it’s high balls, low balls, crosses, or volleys. Here are a few drills to get you started:
1. Catching High Balls
Setup and Instructions:
- Set up a goal and a penalty area. Have a server stand near the corner flag with a ball and another server stand near the opposite sideline with a ball.
- Start on the goal line. The server near the corner flag crosses the ball high into the penalty area. Come out and catch the ball before it bounces or reaches the other server.
- Throw the ball back to the first server and return to the goal line. The second server then crosses the ball from the other side. Repeat.
- Do this for 10-15 crosses per round, and aim for 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Vary the distance, height, and curve of the crosses.
- Try catching the ball with one or two hands, depending on the situation.
- Always communicate with your defenders, time your run, and judge the flight of the ball.
2. Catching Low Balls
Setup and Instructions:
- Set up a goal and a penalty area. Have a server stand about 15 yards from the goal with a ball and another server stand about 25 yards from the goal with a ball.
- Start on the goal line. The server closer to the goal kicks the ball low toward the far post. Dive to catch or smother the ball.
- Roll the ball back to the first server and return to the center of the goal. The second server then kicks the ball low toward the near post. Repeat.
- Do this for 10-15 shots per round, and aim for 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Vary the speed, direction, and spin of the shots.
- Try to catch or hold onto the ball as much as possible.
- Get down quickly, use your body to block the ball, and secure it with both hands.
3. Catching Crosses
Setup and Instructions:
- Set up a goal and a penalty area. Have two servers stand on opposite sides of the penalty area with a ball each. Have two attackers stand inside or near the penalty area.
- Start on the goal line. One of the servers crosses the ball into the penalty area. Come out and catch or punch the ball away from danger before it reaches any of the attackers.
- Throw or kick the ball back to one of the servers and return to your position. The other server then crosses from their side. Repeat.
- Do this for 10-15 crosses per round, and aim for 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Vary the type, height, and angle of crosses (e.g., in-swinging, out-swinging, driven, lofted).
- Challenge both servers to cross at random intervals or at once to create more pressure.
- Encourage both attackers to make runs into different areas of the penalty box to challenge your decision-making.
- Be confident, vocal, and decisive when coming out for crosses.
4. Agility Hands
Setup and Instructions:
- Set up a goal and a penalty area. Place four cones in a diamond shape about 10 yards from the goal, spaced evenly apart. Assign a server behind each cone, each with a ball.
- The goalkeeper begins on the goal line in front of one of the cones. The server behind that cone throws the ball to the goalkeeper, who must catch it and then return it to the same server.
- The goalkeeper then moves to the next cone in a clockwise direction, repeating the same action with a different server. This rotation continues around the diamond, with the goalkeeper catching and returning balls from various servers.
- Repeat this process for 10-15 balls per round, aiming to complete 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Modify the speed, height, and direction of the throws to introduce variety and additional challenges.
- Depending on the situation, challenge the goalkeeper to catch the ball with one or two hands.
- Encourage the goalkeeper to move swiftly yet smoothly between cones, keeping their feet close to the ground and maintaining a low center of gravity.
- Reinforce the importance of catching the ball using proper technique, which involves the use of fingers, palms, and wrists.
5. Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire is a dynamic goalkeeping drill designed to enhance reaction time, reflexes, and handling skills. This drill involves rapid-fire shots at the goalkeeper, training them to respond quickly and effectively.
Setup and Instructions:
- Set up a goal and a penalty area. Place three cones about 12 yards from the goal in a line, spaced evenly apart. Assign a server behind each cone, each with a ball. Additionally, have another server stand near the halfway line with a ball.
- The goalkeeper starts on the goal line in the center of the goal. The server from the halfway line kicks the ball over the crossbar into the penalty area. The goalkeeper must sprint out of the goal to retrieve the ball before it goes out of play.
- The goalkeeper then throws the ball back to the halfway server and sprints back to the goal line. Without any warning or signal, one of the edge servers shoots toward one of the bottom corners of the goal. The goalkeeper must react swiftly, diving to save or catch the ball.
- Upon saving the first shot, the goalkeeper must quickly prepare for another shot from another edge server who has moved closer to the goal. Again, they must react quickly, diving to save or catch the second shot.
- Finally, the goalkeeper faces a third shot from the remaining edge server who has moved even closer to the goal. The goalkeeper must react swiftly once more, diving to save or catch the third shot.
- Repeat this sequence for 10-15 balls per round, aiming to complete 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Vary the speed, height, and direction of the balls to increase the challenge.
- Encourage the edge servers to vary their shots, altering the speed, height, and spin.
- Introduce additional pressure on the goalkeeper by having the halfway server kick balls at random intervals or simultaneously.
- Encourage the goalkeeper to sprint out of the goal with urgency yet control.
- Remind the goalkeeper to react quickly but calmly to the shots, keeping their eyes on the ball and their body square to the shooter.
6. Scooping Ground Balls
Scooping Ground Balls is a goalkeeping drill that helps train goalkeepers to handle low shots that bounce or roll on the ground. It’s a critical skill that even the best goalkeepers often run, as it enhances their control and precision when dealing with ground balls.
Setup and Instructions:
- Set up a goal and a penalty area. Position a server about 15 yards from the goal with a ball and another server about 25 yards from the goal with a ball.
- The goalkeeper starts on the goal line in the center of the goal. The first server kicks the ball low along the ground toward one of the bottom corners of the goal. The goalkeeper must dive to their side and scoop the ball with both hands before it crosses the line.
- The goalkeeper then rolls the ball back to the first server and returns to the center of the goal line. The second server then kicks another ball low along the ground toward the other bottom corner of the goal. The goalkeeper repeats the same action.
- Repeat this process for 10-15 balls per round, aiming to complete 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Vary the speed, direction, and spin of the balls to increase the challenge.
- Encourage the servers to kick balls at random intervals or all at once to create additional pressure on the goalkeeper.
- Encourage the goalkeeper to get down quickly, using their body to block the ball and securing it with both hands.
Footwork Drills
Footwork drills are essential for goalkeepers to improve their agility, balance, and positioning on the field. These drills help goalkeepers develop quick and precise movements, allowing them to react effectively to shots and make impressive saves.
7. Ladder Drills
Ladder drills are fantastic for training goalkeepers to enhance their footwork, agility, and coordination. They involve moving through a ladder laid on the ground while performing various footwork patterns.
Setup and Instructions:
- Set up a ladder on the ground, approximately 10 yards from the goal.
- Have a server stand near the goal with a ball.
- Position the goalkeeper at one end of the ladder.
- Instruct the goalkeeper to perform different footwork patterns through the ladder, such as one foot in each rung, two feet in each rung, in and out, lateral steps, and more.
- Once the goalkeeper completes the ladder, they must sprint back to the goal and prepare to face a shot from the server.
- The server can shoot from any angle or distance.
- After saving or catching the shot, the goalkeeper should jog back to the ladder.
- Repeat the drill for 10-15 shots per round, and aim for 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Vary the footwork patterns, speed, and direction of movement through the ladder to challenge the goalkeeper’s agility and coordination.
- Ask the server to shoot with different speeds, heights, and spins to simulate realistic game situations.
- Encourage the goalkeeper to perform the ladder drills with proper technique, balance, and rhythm.
- Emphasize quick transitions from the ladder to the goal, ensuring the goalkeeper adjusts their position and stance accordingly.
8. Shuffle Drills
Shuffle drills are essential for goalkeepers to improve their positioning, angle play, and anticipation. These drills focus on the goalkeeper shuffling across the goal line to cut down angles and face shots from different positions.
Setup and Instructions:
- Set up a goal and a penalty area on the field.
- Place two cones on opposite sides of the penalty area, approximately 18 yards from the goal.
- Have a server stand behind each cone with a ball.
- Position another server near the center circle with a ball.
- Instruct the goalkeeper to start on the goal line in the center of the goal.
- The center server passes the ball to one of the side servers, who then dribbles towards the goal at an angle.
- The goalkeeper must shuffle across the goal line to cut down the angle and face the shot from the side server.
- The goalkeeper saves or catches the shot and returns to the center of the goal line.
- The center server then passes the ball to the other side server, who repeats the same action from the opposite side.
- The goalkeeper repeats the same action for each shot.
- Repeat the drill for 10-15 shots per round, and aim for 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Vary the speed, distance, and direction of passes and shots to challenge the goalkeeper’s reactions and decision-making.
- Challenge the side servers to fake shots or passes, cut inside or outside, to simulate different attacking scenarios.
- Challenge the center server to pass with different speeds or spins, adding complexity to the drill.
- Encourage the goalkeeper to shuffle quickly but calmly, maintaining focus on the ball and keeping their body square to the shooter.
- Emphasize the importance of positioning according to the angle and distance of the shooter, ensuring the goalkeeper is in the best possible position to make a save.
9. Move With The Ball
The “Move With The Ball” drill is an exercise that trains goalkeepers to improve their footwork, positioning, and angle play. It’s designed to mimic the dynamic and unpredictable nature of live games, where goalkeepers need to constantly adjust to the ball’s movement and the attacking players’ decisions.
Setup and Instructions:
- Set up a goal and a penalty area. Place two cones on opposite sides of the penalty area about 18 yards from the goal. Have a server stand behind each cone with a ball. Have another server stand near the center circle with a ball.
- The goalkeeper starts on the goal line in the center of the goal. The center server passes the ball to one of the side servers, who then dribbles towards the goal at an angle. The goalkeeper must move with the ball and adjust their position and angle accordingly.
- When the side server shoots or tries to go around the goalkeeper, the goalkeeper must try to save or smother the ball. The goalkeeper then returns to their position and gets ready for another ball from a different server.
- Repeat this for 10-15 balls per round. Do 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Vary the speed, distance, and direction of the passes and shots.
- Challenge the side servers to fake shots or passes or cut inside or outside.
- Challenge the center server to pass with different speeds or spins.
- Encourage the goalkeeper to move with the ball and adjust their position and angle accordingly.
- Encourage the goalkeeper to stay on their feet as long as possible but dive decisively when necessary.
10. Goalie Wars
Goalie Wars is a fun and challenging game that pits goalkeepers against each other in a one-on-one competition. It not only promotes competition but also helps goalkeepers to improve their shot-stopping skills, distribution techniques, and game understanding
Setup and Instructions:
- Set up a 24×10 yard grid using small cones. Using tall cones or poles, place two goals on either side of the grid as you would in a regular game.
- Repeat the setup so you have enough to accommodate 1 grid for every two players. If you don’t have goals available, use tall cones or poles.
- You’ll need enough balls for 1 between 2, but it will be helpful if you have more to help facilitate quick restarts.
- Split the players up into pairs and put them in a grid each to play a 1v1 game. Players should begin at opposite ends of the grid and take turns trying to score on each other.
- Each player must remain in their own half of the field (so they can only score from distance). Play for a designated amount of time. Whoever scores the most goals wins
.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Vary distance between goals, size of goals, number of balls, scoring system.
- Challenge goalkeepers to use different techniques of distribution (e.g., bowling, overarm throw, sidearm throw, drop kick).
- Encourage goalkeepers to be creative, confident, and competitive in their attempts to score or save.
- Limit the players to 3 touches every time they receive the ball; 1 touch to try and save the shot, 1 touch to reset the ball, and 1 touch to shoot.
Diving Drills
A goalkeeper’s repertoire wouldn’t be complete without mastering the art of diving. Diving drills are a key part of training that allows goalkeepers to make more saves and reduce the risk of injuries. These drills focus on developing agility, strength, timing, and decision-making, all crucial elements for pulling off spectacular saves.
11. Collapse Dive
The Collapse Dive is one of those fundamental skills that every goalkeeper needs to master. It’s a technique used to save low shots that are close to the body, requiring the goalkeeper to dive to their side and “‘”collapse” their body towards the ball.
Setting Up the Drill:
Here’s how you can practice this technique:
- Set up a goal and mark out a penalty area.
- Position a server about 10 yards from the goal with a ball.
- The goalkeeper starts on the goal line in the center of the goal.
- The first server kicks the ball low and hard toward one of the goalkeeper’s side. The goalkeeper must make a swift decision, diving to their side and collapsing their body to save or catch the ball.
- Once the ball is secured, the goalkeeper quickly gets up, throws the ball back to the server, and then prepares for the next shot.
- This cycle repeats for 10-15 balls per round, aiming for 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Vary the speed, height, and direction of the shots and throws.
- Encourage the goalkeeper to catch or hold onto the ball as much as possible.
- The emphasis should be on diving with good technique, landing on their side, and using their arms to cushion the impact.
- Speed is crucial. Encourage the goalkeeper to get up quickly and recover their position after each dive.
12. Extension Dive
The Extension Dive takes the Collapse Dive a notch higher. This technique is all about stretching your limits – literally – and making those seemingly impossible saves. It’s used to save shots that are out of the goalkeeper’s reach or in the top corners of the goal.
Setting Up the Drill:
- Set up a goal and a penalty area.
- Position a server about 15 yards from the goal with a ball. Another server should be near one of the sidelines with a ball.
- The goalkeeper starts on the goal line in the center of the goal.
- The first server kicks the ball high and wide toward one of the top corners of the goal.
- The goalkeeper must dive to their side and extend their arm fully to tip or catch the ball.
- Once this is done, the goalkeeper quickly gets back to the center of the goal line.
- The second server then passes the ball along the ground to the first server, who repeats the same action from the other side.
- Repeat this for 10-15 balls per round, aiming for 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Mix up the speed, height, and direction of shots and passes.
- Challenge the goalkeeper to tip or catch the ball with one or two hands, depending on the situation.
- Encourage the goalkeeper to dive with good technique, extending their arm fully and landing safely.
- Similar to the Collapse Dive, encourage the goalkeeper to get up quickly and recover their position after each dive.
13. Parry Dive
The Parry Dive, a technique every goalkeeper should have in their arsenal. It’s used to save powerful shots that are difficult to catch or hold onto, calling for a quick dive to the side and a solid one-handed parry to deflect the ball away from danger.
Setting Up the Drill:
- Set up a goal and a penalty area.
- Position two servers on opposite sides of the penalty area about 20 yards from the goal, each with a ball. A third server should be near the center circle with a ball.
- The goalkeeper starts on the goal line in the center of the goal.
- The center server passes the ball to one of the side servers, who then fires a powerful shot toward the goal. The goalkeeper’s task is to dive to their side and parry the ball away from danger using one hand.
- Once done, the goalkeeper gets up quickly and returns to the center of the goal line, ready for the next shot.
- The center server then passes the ball to the other side server, who repeats the same action.
- This cycle continues for 10-15 shots per round, with a target of 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Mix up the speed, height, and direction of shots and passes.
- Challenge the side servers to shoot with different parts of the foot (e.g., laces, instep, outside).
- The center server can change up the pace or spin on their passes.
- Encourage the goalkeeper to parry the ball away from danger with one hand, using either the palm or fist.
- The goalkeeper should always be ready to get up quickly and recover their position after each dive.
14. Breakaway Dive
The Breakaway Dive is a technique that trains goalkeepers to handle one-on-one situations or breakaways when an attacker is through on goal.
Setting Up the Drill:
- Set up a goal and a penalty area.
- Place two cones on opposite sides of the penalty area about 25 yards from the goal. Have a server stand behind each cone with a ball. Have an attacker stand near the center circle with a ball.
- The goalkeeper starts on the goal line in the center of the goal.
- The attacker dribbles toward the goal at an angle.
- The goalkeeper’s task is to come out of the goal, close down the angle, and stay on their feet as long as possible.
- When the attacker shoots or tries to go around the goalkeeper, the goalkeeper must dive at the attacker’s feet and try to smother the ball or deflect it away from danger.
- After this action, the goalkeeper quickly gets up and returns to the center of the goal line.
- The attacker passes the ball back to one of the servers, who repeats the same action from the other side with a different attacker.
- The cycle repeats for 10-15 balls per round, aiming for 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Vary the speed, distance, and direction of dribbles and shots.
- Challenge the attackers to fake shots or passes or cut inside or outside.
- The servers can change up the pace or spin on their passes.
- Encourage the goalkeeper to come out of the goal with confidence but caution.
- The goalkeeper should stay on their feet as long as possible but dive decisively when necessary.
15. Deflect and Dive Drill
Let’s dive right in with the Deflect and Dive Drill. This drill is a goalkeeper’s best friend for handling those shots that suddenly change direction or speed. In the chaos of a match, anything can happen, and this drill helps keepers stay ready for those surprises.
Setting Up the Drill:
- First, place two cones about 10 yards apart on the edge of the penalty area. Have a server stand behind each cone, each with a ball.
- The goalkeeper starts in the center of the goal. One server kicks the ball towards the other server, who then redirects it towards the goal using either their foot or head.
- The goalkeeper has to dive to save this deflected shot. After each shot, the servers switch sides.
- Rinse and repeat for about 10-15 shots per round and aim for 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Mix it up by varying the speed, height, and angle of the shots and deflections.
- Challenge your goalkeeper to either catch or parry the ball, keeping it out of the danger zone.
- And lastly, remind your goalkeeper to stay focused, alert, and balanced throughout the drill. It’s all about reaction time!
16. Turn, Find, Dive
Next up, we have the Turn, Find, Dive drill. This drill is all about agility, awareness, and diving technique. It’s like playing a game of “Where’s Waldo?” but with a soccer ball!
Setting Up the Drill:
- Set up a goal and a penalty area.
- Arrange three cones in a line about 12 yards from the goal, spacing them evenly apart.
- Station a server behind each cone, each with a ball.
- Your goalkeeper begins on the goal line facing the goal.
- The server then kicks the ball toward the goal.
- The goalkeeper must quickly turn around and locate the airborne ball.
- After each shot, the goalkeeper quickly gets back up and resumes starting position.
- Like before, aim for about 10-15 balls per round and do 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Vary the speed, height, and direction of the balls from the servers.
- Encourage the goalkeeper to turn in different directions (left, right, clockwise, counter-clockwise).
- Advise your goalkeeper to turn quickly but smoothly, keeping their feet close to the ground and their body low.
- Lastly, push your goalkeeper to locate the ball quickly and dive with good technique—arms and legs extended fully and landing safely.
17. Don’t Get Chipped!
This drill is designed to help goalkeepers prevent being chipped or lobbed by attackers.
Setting Up the Drill:
- Set up a goal and a penalty area. Place two cones on opposite sides of the penalty area about 25 yards from the goal. Have a server stand behind each cone with a ball and an attacker stand near the center circle with a ball.
- The goalkeeper starts on the goal line in the center of the goal. The attacker dribbles toward the goal at an angle, and the goalkeeper must come out of the goal to close down the angle, staying on their feet as long as possible.
- When the attacker tries to chip or lob the goalkeeper, the goalkeeper must try to save or smother the ball or tip it over the crossbar if necessary.
- The goalkeeper then returns to their position and prepares for another ball from the same server.
- Repeat this drill for about 10-15 balls per round and aim for 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Vary the speed, distance, and direction of dribbles and shots.
- Challenge attackers to fake shots or passes or cut inside or outside.
- Encourage servers to pass with different speeds or spins.
- Urge the goalkeeper to come out of the goal with confidence but caution.
- And finally, encourage the goalkeeper to stay on their feet as long as possible but to jump or dive decisively when necessary.
Distribution Drills
Let’s dive into distribution drills. Now, these aren’t just for show. They’re all about developing passing and throwing skills, helping your goalkeepers distribute the ball with both precision and style.
18. Bowling Drill
First up, the Bowling Drill. This drill trains your goalkeepers to distribute the ball accurately and quickly with an underarm bowling action.
Setting Up the Drill:
- Set up a goal and a penalty area. Position three cones in a line about 20 yards from the goal, spaced evenly apart.
- Station a server behind each cone, each with a ball, and a receiver near one of the sidelines with a ball.
- Your goalkeeper starts on the goal line in the center of the goal. One of the servers kicks or throws the ball towards the goalkeeper, who must catch or save the ball and then bowl it underarm to the receiver on the sideline.
- The receiver then passes the ball back to the same server and moves to the other sideline. The goalkeeper then returns to their position and gets ready for another ball from a different server.
- Aim for about 10-15 balls per round and do 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Vary the speed, height, and direction of the balls from the servers.
- Challenge the goalkeeper to bowl the ball with different speeds, heights, and spins.
- Encourage the goalkeeper to catch or save the ball with good technique and secure it with both hands.
- Urge the goalkeeper to bowl the ball with accuracy and power, aiming for the receiver’s chest or feet.
19. Overarm Throw Drill
Next up, the Overarm Throw Drill. This drill, as you might have guessed, focuses on distributing the ball accurately and quickly with an overarm throwing action.
Setting Up the Drill:
- Set up a goal and a penalty area. Position three cones in a line about 25 yards from the goal, spaced evenly apart.
- Have a server stand behind each cone with a ball and a receiver near one of the sidelines with a ball.
- The goalkeeper starts on the goal line in the center of the goal.
- One of the servers kicks or throws the ball towards the goalkeeper who must catch or save the ball and then throw it overarm to the receiver on the sideline.
- The receiver then passes the ball back to the same server and moves to the other sideline.
- The goalkeeper then returns to their position and gets ready for another ball from a different server.
- Again, aim for about 10-15 balls per round and aim for 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Vary the speed, height, and direction of balls from servers.
- Challenge the goalkeeper to throw the ball with different speeds, heights, and spins.
- Encourage the goalkeeper to catch or save the ball with good technique and secure it with both hands.
- Urge the goalkeeper to throw the ball with accuracy and power, using their shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers.
20. Sidearm Throw Drill
This drill trains goalkeepers to distribute the ball accurately and quickly with a sidearm-throwing action.
Setting Up the Drill:
- Set up a goal and a penalty area.
- Position three cones in a line about 30 yards from the goal, spaced evenly apart.
- Have a server stand behind each cone with a ball and a receiver near one of the sidelines with a ball.
- The goalkeeper starts on the goal line in the center of the goal.
- One of the servers kicks or throws the ball toward the goalkeeper, who must catch or save the ball and then throw it sidearm to the receiver on the sideline.
- The receiver then passes the ball back to the same server and moves to the other sideline.
- The goalkeeper then returns to their position and gets ready for another ball from a different server.
- Stick to the 10-15 balls per round and 2-3 rounds per session formula for this one too.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Vary the speed, height, and direction of balls from servers.
- Challenge the goalkeeper to throw the ball with different speeds, heights, and spins.
- Encourage the goalkeeper to catch or save the ball with good technique and secure it with both hands.
- Lastly, push your goalkeeper to throw the ball with accuracy and power, using their shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers.
21. Drop Kick Drill
This drill works on distribution skills by focusing on the drop kick action. It’s all about the timing, folks!
Setting Up the Drill:
- Set up a goal and a penalty area. Position three cones in a line about 35 yards from the goal, spaced evenly apart.
- Assign a server behind each cone with a ball and a receiver near the center of the field with a ball.
- The goalkeeper starts on the goal line in the center of the goal.
- One of the servers kicks or throws the ball towards the goalkeeper who must catch or save the ball and then drop-kick it to the receiver.
- The receiver then passes the ball back to the same server and moves along the halfway line.
- The goalkeeper then returns to their position and gets ready for another ball from a different server.
- Shoot for about 10-15 balls per round and aim for 2-3 rounds per session.
Variations and Coaching Points:
- Vary the speed, height, and direction of balls from servers.
- Challenge the goalkeeper to drop kick the ball with different speeds, heights, spins.
- Encourage the goalkeeper to catch or save the ball with good technique and secure it with both hands.
- Encourage the goalkeeper to drop kick the ball with accuracy and power, dropping it slightly in front of their kicking foot and striking it cleanly.
