By Mike Smith -
If you have a keeper who is progressing well, and is making a ton of saves in shooting drills and warm ups, don’t be satisfied without pushing them a bit more. One of the easiest things to do to “push them” is to put them on the line backwards, facing away from the play, almost until the ball is kicked. Why? Mainly because it is very hard to re-create real match conditions at practice with the same group of players day in and day out. So while your keeper may have it down during practice, most games are going to add a bit of pressure and intensity which can only be recreated by putting the keeper “behind” during training. I use this method in several different scenarios, all of which will improve your keeper’s reaction time and save percentage during a match.
Set Up
After the keepers have done their usual warm up ( a coach can be used if you only have one keeper ), set the field up as shown above. Keepers will alternate distributing and keeping positions. 3 or 4 strikers shoot one at a time, and rotate starting positions at the top of the arc. The distributing keeper rolls or throws a ball out and then yells “ GO” as soon as the striker has the ball under control and is about to shoot. The keeper in the goal does not turn to make the save until the distributing keeper yells “ GO”.
Progression
As a progression, switch things up a bit and have the strikers make near and far post runs as the distributing keeper throws balls on goal from the top of the 18. Additional field players may use this as a throw in drill as well. The distributing keeper ( or player/coach ) still yells “GO” as the signal for the keeper to turn. Throwing the ball is important in both activities as it is harder for the keeper in goal to hear when the distribution is made.
Final Progression
As a final progression, set up a “ 4 corners” shooting drill. The players on the end line send a diagonal ball across to the opposite side of the penalty box ( as shown below ). When the player at the top of the penalty box makes their first touch, the keeper should be able to hear it. The keeper may then turn and enter play. However, the attacking player may either shoot or pass the ball to the serving player who bends their run a bit for a far post pass. The players then rotate around counter clock wise and the same play is repeated by the other lines.
Coaching Points
The coach should encourage the keeper to make a quick read and save but with a focus on making the right save – catch, punch or parry. This is all about quickness and the coach should adjust the timing the keeper has to turn and / or the touches the shooters can make to ensure the keeper is always turning just as the shot is taken.
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.
