By Wayne Henderson -
There are various types of saves a goalkeeper has to make and this drill is excellent for working on all the various techniques needed.
The set up is 1 goal, 3 feeders 2 cones separating the goal into 3 smaller areas – Each feeder has their own small area to aim at.
The goalkeeper and feeders start in the position shown in Diagram 1.
The goalkeeper starts the drill by getting the first shot (a volley) from feeder number 1. After throwing the ball back to feeder number 1 the goalkeeper quickly moves laterally to get into position to receive the ball from feeder number 2 (a low feed to the left side of the keeper) the keeper makes the save, returns the ball to the feeder and then quickly gets into position to make the last save of the exercise ( a diving medium height save to the goalkeepers left hand side. As shown below in Diagram 2.
Coaching Points
The keepers should –
Move their feet sideways, don’t cross over.
Keep their bodyweight slightly forward; this will encourage a good diving shape.
Should have their hands in a good starting position to deal with serves from varying heights.
Coaches should continue to stress the importance of quality handling – one touch, no second opportunities for opponents.
Remember to work to both the left and right sides.
Variations
The variations with this drill are only limited by the imagination of the coach, low, medium and high feeds can be used, feeders can feed by hand or foot.
By Wayne Henderson
