A soccer goalkeeper must make saves throughout a game, as well as find open teammates with the ball to start offensive buildups. You must be aggressive and have vision and quick reflexes to succeed. Practice stopping the ball in likely scenarios to become a better keeper.
Two-Hand Catch Drill
Learning to catch the ball with both hands without letting a rebound get away prevents goals during the season. To practice catching with both hands, position yourself in the goal. Have a partner kick the ball in the air slightly above your head. Make your index fingers and thumbs of both hands into the shape of a "W" to catch the ball. Keep your hands out in front of your body.
High Crosses
A good goalkeeper is not passive during crosses if she has an opportunity to get her hands on the ball. Position yourself on the goal line and have a partner cross the ball from the corner into the 18-yard box. Attack the ball as it comes in and jump into the air to catch it. Lift one knee up while you are in the air to protect the ball.
Distribution Drill
Distributing the ball to teammates continues the flow of the game. Stand in your area and place a teammate on each corner of the 18-yard box with a ball. Have one teammate pass the ball back to you as happens in a game. Practice getting the ball out to the other teammate with two quick touches with your feet: one touch to stop the ball and one to send it out. Alternate sides for the passes back and alternate feet when distributing the ball.
Near-Post Reaction Drill
Developing your reaction time helps you deflect shots away that may have otherwise ended up in the back of the net. To work on your near-post reaction time, position a teammate just off the post, with another about seven yards out in front of the goal. You stand just inside the same post. Have the player with the ball pass it out front and the second teammate shoot it on goal with one touch. Have the shooter keep the ball between the near post and the middle of the goal so you must react quickly.
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