Improving Reactions

By Josh Jones-Keen -

In my other pieces I have shared drills on improving reactions, usually using pieces of equipment. This is a drill for two Keepers and doesn’t need any equipment other than a goal and some footballs.

Warm-Up

This is a progression from a usual technique warm up where the coach serves the ball to the left or right of the Keeper who then makes a save. Usually the coach delivers the ball sequentially, to add an element of reaction to the drill the coach should deliver randomly. I usually bounce the ball before delivering; I would encourage the coach to still bounce the ball before delivery even though the deliveries will be random this just gives the Keeper time to set. Once they are in a flow maybe remove the signal.

Progression

Almost any equipment can be used for this drill however I often just use footballs. Lay equipment down in front of the goal randomly. With the Keeper standing on the line the aim is for the coach to drive the ball along the floor hitting the equipment causing a deflection for the Keeper to save.

Drill

Server can vary positioning but start on the 18yrd line. Have one goalkeeper starting on the penalty spot and a Keeper on the line. The Server delivers the ball above the first Keepers head; the Keeper must get a hand to the ball and cause a deflection for the second Keeper to save.

Coaching Points

• Positioning – most likely place
• Footwork to recover and move
• Good technique to ensure save is made once across
• Power in legs to push across
• Don’t over commit to one side
• Reactions – practice, practice, practice

By Josh Jones-Keen - Josh has been coaching Goalkeepers for over a decade & has both Outfield and Goalkeeper coaching awards from England and Scotland. He’s coached at a number of levels from grassroots to semipro and currently coaches non league Women’s team as well as a local academy.