By Mike Smith -
While most of the time I am a huge advocate of running training sessions which replicate actual match conditions, the need for players and coaches to take the time and breakdown / develop individual skills is the foundation which any match success is built on. From a keeping standpoint, a goalie has to be skilled in techniques which range from rolling on the turf to flying through the air and this range of techniques should be learned, practiced and sharpened every training session. I call this training progression working from the ground up.
Set Up
To start, have the keepers either squat low, or even sit on the ground. Place two cones behind them to make a gate and have them roll balls to either side, just outside the cones. The idea is to just roll over and trap / catch / smother the ball. This can be done side to side with balls on the ground up to balls just over head. For straight balls, have them keep this same set up, but start on their knees and dive forward onto the ball, again trapping, catching or smothering it.
Progression
Next, set up gates, preferably with sticks, but cones will do as well. One goalie sends balls from waist to shoulder high where the keeper must make the requisite save. To start, the keeper in front of the sticks must begin from the center but as the activity progresses; the serving keeper may send the balls all the way across to the opposite side. The key here is active feet.
Final Progression
Finally, put the keepers in front of the goal and work on the high stuff – especially far post upper 90. With the balls coming in from the top of the six, the keeper in the net should be active, coiled up and ready to parry or punch the ball away. The keeper in the net should start on the cone placed 1 yard off the line for part of the drill to help simulate moving backwards to get some of the high shots which are taken when the goal keeper is out off the line.
Coaching Points
This is just a simple progression which puts the keepers through all the motions required to make saves in a game. On the ground close going to each side and forward, coiled up moving side to side for the mid height stuff and flying high and moving backwards for the circus saves this progression covers it all. It also gives the coach time to stop and focus on each specific area based on the keepers individual needs. Once the coach is satisfied with the keepers work, put them in the net for shooting work, small sided stuff or scrimmages and note the improvement. Good luck.
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.
