Goalkeeper Warm-up
Purpose
The aim of this drill is to enhance a goalkeeper's reaction speed, technique for handling high balls and shots, and overall preparedness to face various offensive scenarios.
Setup
- Place a full-sized goal on the field.
- Position a coach 7 yards out from the goal, slightly to one side.
- Gather 6-7 soccer balls for the drill.
- Prior to starting the drill, have the goalkeeper perform a warm-up routine that includes jogging, stretching, and light catching exercises.
How To Play
- The coach initiates the drill by throwing a ball to the goalkeeper, who sprints to it and taps it back.
- As the goalkeeper retreats towards the goal, the coach should throw a high ball, prompting the keeper to catch or punch it away.
- Subsequently, the coach directs a shot aimed at the near post, requiring the goalkeeper to either catch it or deflect it.
- The coach then throws another ball aiming for the far post, echoed by similar responses from the goalkeeper.
- Finally, after a series of interactions, the coach delivers a direct shot to the goal, calling for quick defensive action from the goalkeeper.
- Repeat the entire series from the opposite side of the goal.
Coaching Points
- Encourage the keeper to maintain focus on the ball throughout the sequence.
- Analyze the goalkeeper's body positioning when approaching the ball.
- Instill the need for confident and strong hands when catching or punching the ball.
- Highlight the importance of quick lateral movement between saves.
- Reinforce the significance of a quick recovery stance to prepare for follow-up plays.