Goalkeeper Basics-Footwork and Shot Stopping
Goalkeeper in soccer is a very specialized position that requires focused training for a player to develop. As a coach you should avoid having your goalkeeper take part in outfield drills and then playing a scrimmage. This is not developing your goalkeeper. Try and commit at least 20 minutes once a week to training your goalkeeper. Do this even if it means arriving early or staying late after practice sessions. Goalkeeper training should cover the fundamental topics of footwork, shot stopping, and crossed balls.
Footwork
“Quick feet never get beat” is a good phrase to live by in goalkeeping and you should consistently emphasize the importance of quick footwork to your goalkeeper. The feet, not the hands are the first part of a body that should move to save a ball to the side of a goalkeeper. Good footwork can also get a goalkeeper in the correct position to make a save or deal with a crossed ball.
Practice footwork by setting up cones diagonally apart 5 yards in a slalom. Have your goalkeeper sprint forward to the first cone and round it before quickly backpedalling back to and around the next cone. Teach the goalkeeper to backpedal without having to look back over his shoulder, this is a bad habit that could cost a goal during a game. If a goalkeeper needs to backpedal in a game he cannot afford to turn his back in the game and risk a shot being hit with him not watching ball. Coachfx
Click here to view the drillWork on the footwork of diving. When diving the goalkeeper should keep her hips and shoulders facing forward and take a lateral step with the foot closest to where the ball is heading, the keeper should then plant before using the outside leg to propel her body quickly toward the ball. A dive should land on the side of the body and should be angled slightly away from the goal line. If a goalkeeper dives back towards the goal line rebound saves will run the risk of going behind her and into the goal.
Shot Stopping
Shot stopping practice should involve plenty of repetitions and involve the goalkeeper saving shots from a range of heights, angles and speeds. Practice shot stopping by having the goalkeeper take up a position in the center of the goal and save shots struck from 10 to 15 yards out. Begin by having the goalkeeper know where the shots are going, this will allow him to concentrate on technique. Hit 20 shots low to the left, 20 shots mid height to the left, and 20 high to the left and just inside the goal post. Enforce that after every dive a goalkeepers hand must be at or past the goalpost. Progress the drill by hitting shots at differing parts of the goal and have the keeper read body language and then shot direction before making a save. Encourage a goalkeeper to hold onto catches whenever possible when saving balls. Treat rebounds as live balls and allow the attacker to run in and score if he beats the goalkeeper to the rebound. Constantly repeat that a repetition is not over until the ball is in the hands of the goalkeeper securely. To progress the drill you can add in a player who blocks the sight of the goalkeeper and forces her to adjust position to see around players as she would in a crowded 18 yard area.
Crossed balls
Dealing with high crossed balls is an important skill for a goalkeeper and can cut out attacks before a shot on goal occurs. A goalkeeper with the ability to collect crossed balls also relieves pressure off his defenders and instills confidence in his defensive unit. The first step is to communicate clearly and let your teammates know whether or not you are coming for the ball. If you have any doubt whether or not you can make the ball as a goalkeeper stay on your line and prepare to save the shot of header on goal.
Have your goalkeeper in goal and set 6 markers on the field. One on the left side, 2 yards in from the sideline. Place a marker at the same width 10 yards further away from the goal line, and one 10 yards further again. Repeat this on the right sideline. Serve your goalkeeper 15-20 balls from each of these positions and have him catch them unopposed. Practice punching and award a point for a punched clearance that clears outside of the 18 yard area before it hits the ground. Progress the drill by having a forward challenge the goalkeeper by trying to head the ball. You can also have a player hold the keepers jersey or push him as the ball is delivered forcing him to fight through contact as he would have to do in a game.
Action Plan
Ensure individual training for your goalkeeper at least one a week for 20-30 minutes. Arrive early or stay late to run through drills with your goalkeeper. If possible have an assistant supervise team drills for 30 minutes while you give the goalkeeper individual attention.
