The goalkeeper is arguably one of the most important positions on the soccer field. As the last line of defense between the opposing offense and your team's goal, the goalkeeper is the only player on the field allowed to use his hands in order to stop the ball. In order to help your goalkeepers develop the skills and fundamentals they need to succeed, try some simple training drills during your next practice.
Jump and Roll Drill
Goalkeepers must react quickly to shots on goal, even when on the ground, and can't be afraid of getting their jerseys dirty. The jump and roll drill helps them practice just that. Plant two stakes in the ground, connected by a string perpendicular to the goal line, about eight feet apart. The middle of the string should cross over the front line of the goalkeeper box. Position the string about two feet off the ground. The goalkeeper starts the drill on the left side of the string, then jumps over it to the right side. He must then roll under the string back to the left, and get back on his feet as quickly as possible. As he gets back to his feet, toss a ball to the right of the string just out of the goalkeeper's reach. The object is to get your goalkeeper to jump back over the string and deflect the ball away from the goal. Repeat the drill for a set number of blocks or repetitions.
Goalkeeper Arc
This drill is designed to teach goalkeepers how to stay on the proper arc while anticipating a shot on goal. Scatter 10 to 12 soccer balls around the area in front of the goal. Position an offensive player on the left side of the goal, at the first ball. On the whistle, have the offensive player shoot the balls at the goal, while the goalkeeper stays on an imaginary arc in front of the goal for proper defense, and attempts to stop the kicked balls. Instruct your offensive player to vary at which part of the net she shoots the ball. Have the offensive player shoot all the balls toward the goal to complete the drill.
Shuffle Drill
Another drill designed to develop quick reaction from the ground, the shuffle drill starts with the goalkeeper shuffling from side to side in front of the goal, as if anticipating an incoming shot. When you blow your whistle, the goalkeeper must drop to the ground, perform a push-up, and pop back up as quickly as possible. As the goalkeeper stands up, have a player ready to shoot the ball in the general direction of the goalkeeper, but with the intent to score a goal. The goalkeeper must try to block the shot. Set a certain number of blocks the goalkeeper must make before ending the drill.
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