By Mike Smith -
One of the best training tools I have learned to use over my years of coaching is to simply re-create game like scenarios for my players. I have found this technique the most useful when working with keepers as so much of goal keeper play involves quick decision making during a match i.e., catch it, punch it, parry it. While these three aspects encompass almost everything a goalie can do with the ball as far as saves go I like to add the idea of “ smothering it”, which is of significant importance to the process of catching. For example: how many goals has your keeper allowed after the ball hit them in the hands? How about bending down to quickly scoop up the ball but having it roll by or through their legs? What about extending to grab a ball while on the ground but pushing it just out of reach instead? For me, smothering the ball is like the follow through on a golf swing – critical – and if my keepers are catching the ball it’s final resting place has to be safely “ smothered” into the chest.
Set Up
To get your keeper in the habit of smothering the ball anytime they are going to catch it try these four scenarios during warm ups and then build into a full on shooting drill. First, work on smothering rollers to the right and left.
Have a group of strikers set up as shown above on the pk spot, and start by sending balls on the ground into the keeper who will make sure they smother the ball as they fall to cover it. Two keepers may rotate in and out after each striker has taken a roll. As the keeper makes each save, they will roll the ball off to the side so the shooting striker can collect it while the next striker steps up to make their “ shot”. Make sure attempts are made to both the left and right, with the strikers eventually progressing to match level attempts. The keeper should simply focus on smothering the shots as they go to ground.
Progression
Next, as shown above, have the keeper set up at one post while the strikers play a ball across the mouth of the goal. The idea is for the keepers to have to reach out more for these, but pull them in quickly to their chests to complete the smother. The rotation and intensity progression is the same as in the first drill and rotations should be made to both the left and the right.
Additional Progression
The next progression deals with falling on straight balls and / or moving forward for shots to try and smother them in underneath. The strikers should start by rolling shots straight in while the keepers step forward to corral them. Again, the progression to match intensity is the same.
Final Progression
Finally, as shown above, work on catching and smothering high balls. The strikers should initially play balls where the keepers can easily make the catch and smother ( if the ball is easily caught the keeper does not have to go to ground but should complete bringing the ball into their chest ). Once this progression is complete, move on to a shooting drill.
Shooting Drill
As shown above, have groups of two strikers work a couple long diagonals to set up a shot just outside the penalty area 10 – 15 yds out. The shooter should drive the ball into the keeper while the player who makes the initial service should crash in to finish any mis-handled shots. With the unmarked following player coming in , the keeper will understand the need to smother in every shot.
Coaching Points
While this is a great striker drill as well, the focus is on the keeper smothering every ball and ending any chance for rebounds or second shots. While the coach should initially manage the strikers to make sure the keeper can smother in every shot, once the drills progress to match speed, the coach can really encourage the goalie to follow through every catch by smothering the ball into their chest.
By Mike Smith
Currently the Head Coach for University Heights Academy Boys Soccer in Hopkinsville, KY , Mike is in his 14th year as a high school head coach with 23 years coaching experience overall and 34 year as a student and fan of the game. He holds a USSF D License.
