Goalkeeper Handling & Shot Stopping

• 1 min = Footwork drills (side shuffles between cones)
• 1 min = Quick hands – catch and throw tennis balls
• 1 min = Low diving saves (on knees) into soft landing
• 1 min = Jumping and catching high balls
• 2 mins = Dynamic stretching (focus on legs, back, shoulders)

Goalkeeper in goal, coach/server 8-10 yards away. Server throws ball at different heights and goalkeeper catches with correct technique. Low shots: scoop with hands behind ball. Mid-height: W-shape hands. High: Diamond shape above head.

Progression: Increase power/speed of throws and add movement before catch

Coaching Points:

• Get body behind the ball
• Hands in correct shape for height
• Watch ball into hands

Full-size goal with shots from 12-15 yards. Server strikes shots at goal and goalkeeper focuses on positioning and save technique. Vary shot height and power.

Progression: Add movement where goalkeeper starts from post and adjusts position

Coaching Points:

• Set position early – be ready
• Quick feet to adjust to shot direction
• Get strong hand behind ball

Attacker starts 20 yards from goal with ball and dribbles towards goal to shoot. Goalkeeper must narrow angle and make save, working on timing of when to close down vs stay on line.

Progression: Add time pressure where attacker must shoot within 5 seconds

Coaching Points:

• Narrow the angle – come off line
• Stay big – spread arms and legs
• Be patient – don’t commit too early