By Tony Englund -
From the middle of the goal step out four yards and make a three-yard wide goal with two cones. The drill begins with the goalkeeper standing on the first post with another goalkeeper standing six yards away at the corner of the six-yard box with the ball. The coach is positioned with a ball six-yards in front of the cone goal. A third goalkeeper is standing on the opposite corner of the six-yard box. The working goalkeeper begins by making a collapse dive save towards the cone. The 2nd goalkeeper passes the ball towards the cone for the goalkeeper to make the save. After making the save the goalkeeper recovers and steps between the cone-goal to receive a volley to the hands from the coach. After returning the ball to the coach he/she shuffles toward the other post to make a collapse-dive save from the 3rd goalkeeper. Have a fourth goalkeeper ready to enter and work while the first goalkeeper goes behind the goal to the original starting position. If you are limited in numbers, then have other coaches or field players assist in the tasks of the 2nd and 3rd goalkeepers. Goalkeepers should switch after they have rotated through three times. Increase the intensity of the drill by having the 2nd and 3rd goalkeepers volley the ball.
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Coaching Points
- Make sure that the goalkeeper always begins with the inside foot rather than the outside foot. Starting with the inside foot will reduce the space between the feet and enable them to react more quickly to a save or dive.
- The goalkeeper should keep their shoulders low when moving and not allow their bodies to come up when they move or set. They should keep a steady height when moving from the post to their set position.
- The goalkeeper should work on quick movements with their feet and look to set their feet before the ball is delivered to them. The goalkeeper should always look to set their feet before making any save.
- Hands should be expanded to their sides and slightly in front of their legs as they move forward from the post. Once they set, then they should adjust to the flight of the ball.
Equipment Needed
Two Cones and supply of soccer balls
Recommended Duration
Have each goalkeeper perform the drill three times and then switch with the other goalkeepers. Rotate through this structure three times.
By Tony Englund - This is an exercise from Tony's book, Coaching the Complete Goalkeeper.
