First Class Goalkeeping

Episode 278: Advancing to Block

The last of the recent blocking drill ideas sees the goalkeeper learn what it feels like to block the ball, how close or far away they need to be to successfully make an effective save and how fast they need to be when reacting to the ball's movement.

1. The goalkeeper starts between two target areas/ small goals. The coach starts with the ball and serves the ball into the keeper. This can be low serves for the scoop technique or a volley into hands.
2. When the ball is served, the goalkeeper catches and distributes the ball back to the coach. To adapt the session back passes can be used to work on footwork control and passing.
3. On returning the ball, the coach controls the ball into the direction of one of the goals. At this time the keeper must react by getting in front of the ball so to block any shots.

Handling and distributing - the goalkeeper must stay focused and use their technique correctly. If they rush to distribute, errors can occur.
Speed - reaction speed is important so to be able to get into a position to be in front of the ball before the shot.
Body position - changes in height is required. When advancing the goalkeeper must try to stay square to play and upright lowing the closer they get to the ball. When at the ball, decision making is important when selecting which technique to use to block or even spread at the ball.

Episode 277: Handling & Saves

This training idea is set up to work varied heights within the drill but also to look at the low dive and how that can be progressed. A goalkeepers decision making when catching or parrying due to pressure of the catch or the result of an error needs to be worked and at a higher intensity.

1. Drop - a goalkeepers movement to turn and drop to the line allows the keeper more reaction time to not only see the ball but also to track the movement. Getting into a set position early allows the reaction time to occur with a high success rate to get to the ball.
2. Handling - The coach serves the ball into hands with the goalkeeper utilising their set but also their technique to catch once the ball is caught the ball must quickly be returned.
3. Movement - the goalkeeper is tasked with repositioning in line with the post. On doing this the coach will play the ball into the target are. Lateral movements or a cross step is effective as long as it is done before going into the dive.
4. Low dive - The goalkeeper will not be given the chance to set so speed must be a priority for the keeper. Lowering the body is important to make sure they get behind the ball with arms extending.

Decision making to catch or parry will be determined with how fast they reposition into the dive. On realising their speed to cover the goal, young goalkeepers will learn that a catch can be achieved or that a one hand parry may be more suitable to stop the ball at full stretch.
Progressing this drill could see a bounced serve used when the goalkeeper repositions. The bounce would mean the goalkeeper must focus and watch the ball until the very last second so to judge the height the bounce would take the ball. This means they would use their footwork more effectively rather than diving early to cover ground for the save.

Episode 276: Movement & Handling

Although a group video, this activation drill is ideal for goalkeepers of all ages and abilities whether solo or in a group session.

Keys areas of focus
1. Hand position - in young keepers, hands will start to drop when the focus changes to movement. In this situation remind and highlight the need to keep the hands forward and away from the body so to set and react to the ball
2. Footwork - with two different types of movements being used. The goalkeepers feet need to be precise when stepping through the ladder. High knees helps to stop contact with the equipment and shorter steps enables a more balanced movement
3. Facing play - keeping your shoulders square while moving helps the goalkeeper manoeuvre and react. Lateral steps allow for a better change of direction.
4. Reposition - making movements whether away from the goal or defending deeper should be done at speed so to get I to a position to set and react. Slow movements can affect the goalkeepers ability to make catches or react with an effective dive.
5. Head up - keeping your eyes locked on the ball at all times is key when reacting to potential shots. Highlight the need to remain focused rather the looking down at footwork because of movement.

Episode 275: High Intensity Saves

Set three different colours in an area in front of the goalkeeper ideally 2-3 ft off the line. Two colours in line with both posts and 1 central to the goal. The focus of the session is to move the goalkeeper out of the space and allow them to react and reposition back into goal to make the save.
* Endurance and stamina will be a key factor that will effect their ability to keep making successful saves.

Episode 274: Blocking

The block technique is a crucial skill for goalkeepers to master in close range situations.

Understanding the Block:
Explain the concept: Make sure goalkeepers understand that blocking is about using their bodies to deflect the ball, not necessarily catching it.

Encourage goalkeepers to read the attacker's body language and anticipate their moves.

Emphasise the importance of positioning the body between the ball and the goal.
Arm Placement: Arms should be extended and palms facing the shooter to maximize the blocking surface.
Knee Placement: The raised knee should be used to absorb the impact of the shot.
Footwork: Goalkeepers should move their feet quickly to get into the correct position.
Timing: Timing is crucial. Goalkeepers should wait for the right moment to make the block.

Placing the mannequins as defenders allows the goalkeeper to position and react to the movement. Repetition will allow the goalkeeper to practice and improve the action but also the coordination and balance of the action.

Episode 273: Retaining Possession

Place 3 hoops or markers around the 6 yard line. 2 in line with the posts of the goal and one in a central position.
Create two target areas for distribution. I like to utilise the left back and right back positions.

1. Call a colour - the goalkeeper reacts to the call and runs to the colour placing a foot into the hoop. Once done, the goalkeeper must reposition back to receive the ball.
2. Back pass - the goalkeeper must be set and on their toes. With the ball approaching the goalkeeper must have an idea for which side they would like to pass to.
3. Control - create a light touch that keeps the ball under control but also away from the danger of an attacker.
4. Passing - with the ball one to two steps away, the goalkeeper must firmly and confidently pass the ball into the target area.