By Scott Housden -
As is the case for all other players, the goalkeeper moves considerably during games. However, a goalkeeper’s movements are often much smaller and precise. This active movement (i.e. the goalkeeper’s movement on the pitch to ensure good positioning before attempting to make a save) across the goalmouth is key when dealing with a number of scenarios involving second phase saves when the goalkeeper has either deflected the ball or the ball has deflected off an outfield player, post or crossbar.
The drill outlined below will allow you to work not only on this active movement but also on your ability to refocus quickly such as after a deflected save.
Set Up
Two goals are set up at right angles.
Two servers are required to shoot, one into each goal.
Goalkeeper starts on their knees or seated in one of the goals (in the diagram the first goal to be used is the white pole goal). The goalkeeper then gets up into a ‘set’ position and the server shoots with the goalkeeper attempting to save.
The goalkeeper then recovers and focuses on the second goal (in the second diagram the second goal is the red pole goal) and gets into a ‘set’ position ready to make a second save.
Each time the servers must wait for the goalkeeper to set in line with the server before shooting.
Perform 3 – 4 repetitions, then repeat with the other server starting.
Coaching Points
• Each ‘set’ position is crucial for each save. Ideally hands should be a waist height with palms facing each other with your nose over your toes. From here it will enable the goalkeeper to attack the ball with two hands.
• It may sound obvious but focus on the first save and execute that to your best ability before re-focussing on the next save.
• After making the first save it is vital to re-focus your efforts on the second ball for the second save. This will allow you to make more direct movements getting in line with the ball (i.e. shortest possible route).
• Try to avoid standing fully upright when moving (move at a height close to your ‘set’ position height) as you will be slow getting into an optimum lower ‘set’ position.
• Ensure you have focused on the second ball prior to moving in line with the second ball. By doing this it will make it easier and more natural to move directly in line.
• Avoid moving backwards back into the goal and just level off when getting in line with the second shot.
• Even if the goalkeeper is not in line with the ball they must be in a ‘set’ position when the server is about to shoot (i.e. pulls their leg back ready to shoot).
Progression 1
The drill is repeated. However, this time the servers each have 2 or 3 shots each, alternating each server after each shot.
• The servers quicken their service forcing the goalkeeper to re-focus as quickly as possible but not necessarily being in line with the ball.
• Perform 3 – 4 repetitions, then repeat with the other server starting.
Progression 2
The drill is repeated. However, a third server shoots last into the blue poled goal (after the first tow servers have shot in their respective goals.
This can be repeated on a number of occasions
Coaching Points
• For this third save the goalkeeper must step directly forwards into this goal.
• Take shorter faster steps towards goal so as to remain balanced and ready to get ‘set’
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.
