Handling, Shot Stopping and Positioning

By Wayne Henderson -

The most important attribute of a successful goalkeeper is being a good shot stopper; this simple drill will help work on a few aspects of “making saves”.

First Phase

Feeder number 1 strikes a simple volley straight at the goalkeeper, who catches the volley and throws the ball back to feeder number 1.

Coaching Point

Remind the goalkeepers to take care of the 1^st volley and throw the ball back to feeder accurately before concentrating on the 2^nd phase of the drill.

Phase 2

The ‘Keeper then turns 90o and moves across to get into line  a balanced set position to save a ½ volley from feeder number 2.

Progressions / Variations

• 1st feeder is always a volley
• 2^nd feeder can vary feeds i.e.
• ½ volley, Strike from the floor, Side Volley or Dipped volley. Etc.

Shot Stopping and Positioning Set-Up

Incorporating Movement and Positioning.

Coaching Point

Position of central cone is vital , this creates the exact position of each far post for both sides 2^nd save.

The goalkeeper starts just behind the central cone, the drill starts with a volley, which the goalkeeper throws back to feeder number 1.

The   Goalkeeper then moves quickly across to get into position to make the 2^nd save from either feeder number 2 or 3.

As Before - The 1st feeder always strikes a volley

2^nd feeder can vary feeds i.e.

½ volley, Strike from the floor, Side Volley or Dipped volley. Etc.

Remember to always work both sides.

The better the standard of your goalkeeper, the quicker tempo this drill can be performed at.

By Wayne Henderson