By Scott Housden -
Once a dynamic warm-up has been performed it is always fun to include a game as part of the warm-up phase of the session. Below are two fun games for such part of the session. The first is ideal for a dealing with high balls sessions or dealing with cut back crosses session. The second is great for a footwork and handling session or reaction saves session.
Handball Game
This game is played in a small area (approximately 10m x20m). This is dependent on goalkeeper numbers, ability and age. It can be played in a 2 v 2 format up to a 6 v 6 format (adjusting the pitch size accordingly).
• The goalkeepers can only pass the ball with their hands (thrown, bounce pass, using one or two hands).
• A goal can only be scored with a header.
• There are no actual goalkeepers in the game.
• Players cannot run with the ball.
• Players have 3 seconds to play the ball.
• When the ball goes out of play, play restarts with a thrown ball in.
• Play for 5 – 10 minutes
This game is a great warm up for a dealing with high balls or cut backs sessions as it encourages challenges for each ball and movement within a crowded area.
Coaching Points
• Ensure that the players pass and move and look to support at all opportunities.
• Encourage the goalkeepers to communicate throughout the game.
• Be patient with play – look to keep the ball instead of all-out attack and choose the moment to attack.
• Encourage correct catching techniques and hand shape when catching, always looking at the ball.
Two Hand Keepie Uppie
The goalkeepers form a circle with the object of the game is for the goalkeepers to keep the ball from touching the ground. When a goalkeeper plays the ball they must do so by first playing the ball to themselves with one hand and then playing to another player with their other hand.
This games ensures that the goalkeepers focus on their hand eye coordination, whilst also encouraging fast hands and footwork and reactions and is ideal for 3 – 8 goalkeepers.
• Only hands can be used.
• Two touches using alternate hands must be taken before another goalkeeper pays the ball.
• The game restarts if a goalkeeper takes only one touch or three touches or the ball bounces.
• Before each restart every goalkeeper has to change their position in the circle.
• Be ready to play with another ball as soon as play stops.
• Play for 5 minutes.
Coaching Points
• Encourage the goalkeepers not to slap or punch the ball.
• Watch the ball at all times and be ready to react.
• Be on the balls of your feet in a ‘set’ position with hands ‘active.’
Incorporate a consequence into the game for the goalkeeper that stops play. A consequence that I have found works well is by playing the game close to a goal and making the goalkeeper run around the goal before they can re-join the game.
By Scott Housden
Scott is both a UEFA ‘B’ and UEFA ‘B’ Goalkeeping Coach and holds a Masters in Sports Management. He has been a goalkeeper coach in professional football in the UK and Australia at First Team, Academy and Women’s levels. He currently runs a Goalkeeper Academy in the Western Suburbs of Brisbane, Australia.
