In the game of soccer, the goalie's job is to attempt to save every shot, preventing the opposing team from getting the ball into the net and scoring a goal. Using goalie drills in practice allows kids to work on proper goalkeeper techniques, such as footwork, handling the ball and shot-stopping. Kids can practice good habits and improve their skills as well.
Toss Drill
Set up two nets, with a goalie at each net. Give one goalie a ball; he tries to score against the other goalie by throwing, heading or kicking the ball into the other goalie's net. Once he scores, the other goalie tries to score against his opponent. This drill can be made more challenging by adding more attackers against the goalie.
Shot Stopper
The coach stands 5 to 7 yards away from the goalie, and varies the shots by throwing the ball downward, heading, lobbing the ball over his head or rolling the ball to either side. If the goalie misses the ball, the coach immediately throws another ball. When the goalie makes a save, he throws the ball back to the coach before the coach makes another shot.
Breakaway
Divide the kids up into two teams: Team A and team B. Team A is shooting on team B's goalkeeper from a line that is 40 yards away from the goal. For 90 seconds, the kids on team A take turns taking a shot at the goal. They must retrieve their own balls. After 90 seconds, the teams switch. The goalies practice staying on their feet and making themselves as "big" as possible to save the ball.
Catch 22
Set up two goals side by side. There is only one goalie to defend both goals. The offensive player dribbles down the field and tries to score in either goal. When a goal is scored a new goalie takes the place of the first one. This drill enables the goalkeeper to practice covering the near post shot and cutting off crosses.
References
- Eteamz: Soccer Tips and Drills: Jeff Pill
- "Youth Soccer Drills: 84 Drills for Beginning and Intermediate Players"; Jim Garland; 2003
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