By Josh Jones-Keen -
As much as we like to think every shot or cross is catchable that just isn’t the cases. There is a time and a place to catch and a time and a place to parry or punch. Catching should be the number one thought but adjusting to make sure the Keeper gets the right outcome is important. A Keeper should look to parry around the post or out towards for a throw in and punch to get the ball clear out of the area from a cross, usually in a crowded box. This session looks at Parrying.
Parrying Low
This a simple drill that works the Keeper parrying low to mid height shots. The technique is the same as a dive however instead of having the hands in the classic “W” formation the hands are closer together and ideally the Keeper would like the ball to hit the palm/heel of hand to be able to make a good connection and steer the ball from danger.
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In this drill the server should aim the ball towards the post of the goal to stretch the Keeper. I have included arrows to show where the Keeper should be getting the ball.
Coaching Points
- Positioning
- Footwork
- Body Shape
- Hand Shape
- Ball going out wide
Parrying High
In three’s have the Keeper kneel in between two servers about 5 yards apart. The servers take it in turn to toss the ball just above the Keepers reach. The Keeper must reach the ball and using the correct technique parry the ball backwards but as high as possible.
To progress the Keeper should kneel on one knee with the other raised. This time the server should serve the ball a couple of feet higher than last time meaning the Keeper must push off from the ground to reach to parry the ball higher.
Coaching Point
Keepers palm should face forwards and move up when meeting the ball, using the speed of the ball as momentum. The Keeper shouldn’t get in to the habit of swatting the ball away.
Progression
Keeper starting on the line, on the coach’s call should come forwards and touch the cone. Server must toss the ball over the Keepers head and to one side, and then using correct footwork the Keeper must get in position and parry the ball either over the bar or out wide and high.
Parrying Small Sided Game
Depending on numbers this can be used as a two way directional game however for clarity here I have used a 3 v 2 + Keeper. Any goals in between the big goal will count for one however any goals scored in the smaller target zone will count for two as will scoring over the Keeper (chipping excluded!!) Encouraging the strikers to shoot in to the corners forcing the Keeper to make a diving save.
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.
