Goalkeeping drills for kids. Essential Goalkeeping Drills for Young Soccer Players: Improving Skills and Reflexes

How can youth soccer goalkeepers improve their skills. What are effective warm-up drills for young goalkeepers. Which exercises enhance hand-eye coordination for goalkeepers. How to develop quick reflexes in young soccer goalies. What drills help goalkeepers improve their ball control.

Foundational Goalkeeper Warm-Up Exercises

Proper warm-up routines are crucial for young goalkeepers to prepare their bodies and minds for the demands of their position. These exercises not only help prevent injuries but also enhance the goalkeeper’s overall performance during training sessions and matches.

Bounce and Catch Drill

The Bounce and Catch drill is an excellent starting point for young goalkeepers. Here’s how to perform it:

1. Hold the ball high above the head
2. Bounce it forcefully towards the ground
3. Catch the ball at waist height using the “W” hand position
4. Move around and change directions while performing the drill

Why is the “W” hand position important for goalkeepers? The “W” shape, formed by positioning the thumbs together and angling the other four fingers out at 45 degrees, provides a stable and secure catching surface. This technique helps goalkeepers maintain better control of the ball upon impact, reducing the chances of fumbles or rebounds.

Progressive Variations of the Bounce and Catch

To further challenge young goalkeepers, consider these progressions:

• Walk around, bounce the ball, and lift a leg over it before catching
• Alternate legs, performing 10 repetitions with each
• Hammer the ball out of the left hand with the right hand, then quickly reposition to catch it

These variations help improve agility, coordination, and reaction time – all essential skills for goalkeepers.

Enhancing Hand-Eye Coordination and Flexibility

Developing superior hand-eye coordination and maintaining flexibility are crucial aspects of goalkeeper training. The following drills focus on these key areas:

Ball Between the Legs Exercise

This exercise improves hand-eye coordination while also stretching the back and leg muscles:

1. Stand with legs shoulder-width apart
2. Bend at the waist and pass the ball between the legs
3. Start with stationary hands, then progress to a figure-8 pattern
4. Begin with the ball rolling on the ground, then advance to passing it through the air

How does this drill benefit goalkeepers? By challenging their ability to manipulate the ball in unconventional positions, goalkeepers develop better spatial awareness and improve their ability to handle the ball in awkward situations during matches.

Advanced Variation: Scissor Leg Ball Thread

For a more challenging exercise that targets leg and core muscles:

1. Lie on your back
2. Scissor legs up and down
3. Thread the ball through the legs

This variation not only enhances hand-eye coordination but also strengthens the core and leg muscles, which are essential for explosive movements and quick reactions in goal.

Developing Ball Feel and Spatial Awareness

Goalkeepers must be comfortable handling the ball in various situations, even when it’s not directly in their line of sight. These drills help develop that crucial skill:

Ball Bounce Between Legs

1. Bounce the ball from the front through the legs
2. Catch it behind the back with both hands
3. Return the ball between the legs to the front

Ball Roll Down the Back

1. Place the ball on the back of the neck
2. Let it roll down the back
3. Catch it at the small of the back with both hands
4. Return the ball to the front and repeat

Why are these exercises beneficial for goalkeepers? These drills help goalkeepers develop a better feel for the ball and improve their ability to handle it in unconventional situations. This enhanced spatial awareness can prove invaluable during chaotic moments in the penalty area or when dealing with unexpected deflections.

Improving Quickness and Touch

Goalkeepers need lightning-fast reflexes and a soft touch to excel in their position. The following drill targets both these aspects:

Front to Back Hand Switch

1. Bend at the waist with the ball between the legs
2. Cover the ball with the right hand from the front and left hand from the back
3. Release the ball and switch hands without letting it touch the ground

To make this drill more engaging and challenging, try timing the players and encouraging them to beat their personal best. This competitive element can help motivate young goalkeepers to push their limits and improve their performance.

Building Core Strength and Hand Power

A strong core and powerful hands are essential for goalkeepers to perform at their best. These exercises focus on developing these crucial areas:

Ball Sit-Ups

1. Lie on your back with arms extended over the head, holding a ball
2. Perform a sit-up, keeping the ball in hand and extending arms forward
3. Have a partner strike the ball with their instep

This exercise builds hand strength, abdominal strength, and anaerobic conditioning. Why is anaerobic conditioning important for goalkeepers? Goalkeepers often need to make explosive, high-intensity movements with little to no warning. Anaerobic conditioning helps improve their ability to perform these sudden bursts of activity effectively.

Sit-Up Ball Throw Variation

1. Throw the ball to a partner as you sit up
2. Partner chest-passes it back at the top of the motion
3. Catch the ball and return to starting position

This variation adds an extra element of hand-eye coordination and quickness to the exercise, further challenging the goalkeeper’s reflexes and core strength.

Enhancing Lateral Quickness and Agility

Goalkeepers need to move quickly from side to side to cover the entire goal area effectively. The following drill helps improve this crucial skill:

Shuffle and Roll

1. Bounce the ball hard on the ground
2. Perform side-to-side shuffles under the path of the ball
3. If the ball goes high enough, aim for two shuffles before it descends
4. If not, perform a side roll under the falling ball

How does this drill benefit goalkeepers? By combining lateral movement with ball awareness, this exercise helps goalkeepers improve their ability to quickly reposition themselves while tracking the ball’s trajectory. This skill is crucial for making saves on shots aimed at the corners of the goal.

Perfecting One-Handed Catches

While two-handed catches are generally more secure, goalkeepers often need to make one-handed saves in match situations. This drill helps develop this skill:

One-Hand Catch Drill

1. Stand 5-8 yards apart from a partner
2. Toss the ball to each other, catching and returning with one hand
3. Start with the dominant hand, then switch to the weaker hand
4. Alternate hands in a set pattern
5. For an added challenge, introduce a second ball

Why is it important for goalkeepers to practice one-handed catches? In high-pressure game situations, goalkeepers may only be able to reach the ball with one hand. By practicing this skill, they improve their ability to make crucial saves even when they can’t get both hands to the ball.

This drill also teaches goalkeepers to soften the impact of the ball against their hands, which is crucial for maintaining control and preventing rebounds. By practicing with both hands, goalkeepers can improve their overall hand strength and dexterity, leading to more confident and effective performances in matches.

Integrating Goalkeeping Drills into Team Training

While specialized goalkeeper training is essential, it’s also important to integrate goalkeepers into team drills. This approach helps goalkeepers develop their skills in more realistic, game-like situations. Here are some ways to incorporate goalkeeper-specific elements into team training sessions:

Small-Sided Games with Goalkeepers

Organize small-sided games (3v3, 4v4, or 5v5) that include goalkeepers. This allows goalkeepers to practice positioning, communication, and decision-making in a game-like context. It also helps them develop their distribution skills and ability to read the game.

Shooting Drills with Goalkeeper Participation

During team shooting drills, ensure that goalkeepers are actively involved. This not only provides valuable practice for the shooters but also gives goalkeepers opportunities to work on their shot-stopping abilities, positioning, and recovery after saves.

Set-Piece Practice

When practicing corner kicks, free kicks, and other set-pieces, involve the goalkeepers. This helps them improve their ability to command their penalty area, organize their defense, and deal with crosses and high balls under pressure.

How do these integrated drills benefit young goalkeepers? By participating in team-wide exercises, goalkeepers gain a better understanding of the game as a whole. They learn to anticipate plays, communicate effectively with their teammates, and make quick decisions based on the flow of the game. These skills are crucial for their development as well-rounded, competent goalkeepers.

Mental Preparation for Young Goalkeepers

While physical skills are crucial, the mental aspect of goalkeeping is equally important. Young goalkeepers need to develop mental toughness, concentration, and the ability to bounce back from mistakes. Here are some strategies to help young goalkeepers improve their mental game:

Visualization Exercises

Teach young goalkeepers to use visualization techniques. Have them imagine themselves making successful saves, commanding their penalty area, and distributing the ball effectively. This mental rehearsal can help build confidence and improve performance.

Positive Self-Talk

Encourage goalkeepers to use positive self-talk during training and matches. Help them develop a set of encouraging phrases they can use to stay focused and motivated, especially after conceding a goal or making a mistake.

Concentration Drills

Incorporate concentration-building exercises into training sessions. For example, have goalkeepers focus on a specific point while various distractions occur around them. This helps improve their ability to maintain focus during chaotic match situations.

Why is mental preparation important for young goalkeepers? The goalkeeper position often comes with high pressure and the potential for highly visible mistakes. By developing strong mental skills, young goalkeepers can better handle this pressure, maintain their confidence, and perform at their best even in challenging situations.

Goalkeeper-Specific Fitness Training

While general fitness is important for all soccer players, goalkeepers have unique physical demands that require specialized training. Here are some areas to focus on in goalkeeper-specific fitness training:

Plyometric Exercises

Incorporate plyometric exercises to improve explosive power. Box jumps, hurdle hops, and depth jumps can help goalkeepers develop the quick, powerful movements needed for making saves.

Reaction Time Drills

Use reaction balls or have coaches randomly call out directions for goalkeepers to move. This improves their ability to react quickly to unexpected situations during matches.

Flexibility and Mobility Work

Include stretching and mobility exercises in every training session. Focus on hip mobility, shoulder flexibility, and overall range of motion to help goalkeepers make those spectacular, full-stretch saves.

Core Strength Training

Develop a strong core with exercises like planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball throws. A strong core is essential for maintaining balance and generating power in diving saves.

How does specialized fitness training benefit young goalkeepers? By focusing on these goalkeeper-specific fitness areas, young players can develop the physical attributes that are most crucial to their position. This targeted approach helps them perform their unique role more effectively and can also help prevent injuries common to goalkeepers.

Developing Distribution Skills for Young Goalkeepers

In modern soccer, goalkeepers are expected to be proficient in distributing the ball and initiating attacks. Here are some drills to help young goalkeepers improve their distribution skills:

Target Practice

Set up targets at various distances and angles. Have goalkeepers practice hitting these targets using different distribution methods (throws, goal kicks, drop kicks). Gradually increase the distance and decrease the size of the targets as skills improve.

Quick Release Drills

Practice quick distribution after making a save. Set up outfield players in different positions and have the goalkeeper make a save, then quickly distribute the ball to a specific player. This improves decision-making and execution under time pressure.

Long-Range Passing

Work on long-range passing techniques, including goal kicks and drop kicks. Focus on accuracy, distance, and the ability to place the ball into space for teammates to run onto.

Why are distribution skills important for young goalkeepers? In today’s game, goalkeepers often serve as the first point of attack. Good distribution skills allow them to quickly transition from defense to offense, create scoring opportunities for their team, and relieve pressure by accurately moving the ball upfield.

By incorporating these various aspects of goalkeeper training – from fundamental warm-up exercises to specialized fitness work and distribution skills – coaches can help young goalkeepers develop into well-rounded, confident players. Remember to tailor the intensity and complexity of these drills to the age and skill level of the goalkeepers, and always prioritize proper technique and safety in training sessions.

Goalkeeper Warm Up Drills | Braddock Road Youth Club Recreational Soccer

After the foot skill and pass/receive drills that the entire team does have the goal keepers warm up with drills like these:

Bounce and Catch

1. Have them hold a ball in their hands high over their heads, bounce it down to the ground and then catch it waist high. The catch should emphasize the classic W shape, thumbs together, other four fingers angled out at 45 degrees.
2. Keepers should be moving around and changing directions during this drill.
3. Dont let them just drop the ball and catch it. Emphasize the over the head throw down towards the ground.

A progression of this drill is to have them walk around, bounce the ball, lift their leg over the ball and re-catch it always emphasizing the W catch. Do it ten times with the right leg, then ten times with the left, then alternate legs. A second progression of this warm-up is to have them hammer the ball out of their left hand with their right hand and then re-catch it with the W. This is tougher because the keeper must quickly position their hands after releasing the ball.

Ball Between the Legs

Keepers stand with legs shoulder width apart. Bend over at the waist and pass a ball back and forth between their legs. Initially start out with the hands stationary, i.e. right hand in back, left in front. Ball moves quickly, through the legs, from hand to hand, first rolling on the ground, then off the ground.

After they have the hang of this they pass the ball between their legs in a figure 8. In this case the hands are switching positions from front to rear. Again start this drill with the ball remaining in contact with the ground and then progress to the ball in the air between the legs.

This exercise improves hand eye coordination and stretches the back and leg muscles.

A third and more difficult component of this exercise is to have the player lie on their back and scissor their legs up and down while threading the ball through their legs.

This works the leg and stomach muscles while improving their hand eye coordination.

Ball Bounce Between Legs

Have the players bounce the ball from the front through their legs and then re-catch it behind their backs. Both hands are used to serve the ball and catch the ball. Return the ball between the legs from the back to the front.

Ball Roll Down the Back

Have the keepers place the ball on the back of their necks. Let the ball roll down their back. They then catch it at the small of their back with two hands. Return the ball to the front and start again. Once players get the hang of it they can begin walking around rolling the ball and catching it.

The above two warm ups are good for letting the keepers get the feel of the ball in their hands even when it is not directly in their sight. The more they catch the ball in practice, the more comfortable they will be in a game.

Front to Back Switching Hands

I couldnt think of a better name for this drill. Basically the player bends at the waist with the ball between their legs. The right hand covers the ball from the front, the left hand from the back. Player releases the ball and switches hands not letting the ball fall and touch the ground. This drill is good for quickness and touch. Have the players count how many times that they can do this in a timed period and then challenge them to do one more, and then one more, and then one more, etc., etc., etc.

Sit Ups

Keeper lies on her back with arms extended over the head, a ball in her hands. Keeper executes a sit-up keeping the ball in her hands and extending her arms out in front of her. A player strikes the ball in her hands with their instep. This drill builds hand strength, abdominal strength and anaerobic condition.

A variation on this drill is to have the player throw the ball to you as they sit up and for you to chest pass it back to them at the top of the motion. This also builds hand strength, hand-eye coordination and quickness.

Shuffle and Roll

This is a drill to increase side to side quickness. Have the player bounce the ball hard on the ground. They then side to side shuffle under the path of the ball. If the ball goes high enough they might get two side to side shuffles in before the balls momentum is lost. If not, then the second movement should be a side roll under the falling ball.

One Hand Catch

This next warm up involves two people, either both keepers or a keeper and a coach.

Simply have the players stand 5 to 8 yards apart and toss the ball to each other. The catch is to be made one handed and returned the same way.

Progress by having the weaker hand use. Then run a pattern where first the left is used then the right. Finally if you have three or more in the drill add a second ball to increase the difficulty.

This teaches the player to soften the blow of the ball against the hands. It also works finger strength and hand-eye coordination.

Kneeling Catch (Railroad Tracks)

This is a drill to teach the keepers proper arm position when gathering in a low ball (scoop) or a shot below their waist.

Proper arm position can be described as both arms forming railroad tracks. That is the arms are parallel, the elbows are tucked in, the hands are palm up with the pinky and sides touching. The hands form a slight cupping position.

Have the player kneel in front of you with the arms and hands as described above. Start the drill by softly throwing the ball into her hands. Emphasize form! Gradually increase the speed of the throw. Make sure that you hit the arms, and not their head! The player should follow the ball into their arms with their eyes. The elbows must stay together or the ball will force its way through and be dropped. There must be a slight cushioning motion or the ball will hit and pop out.

High Ball Warm-up

This warm up also involves two people, preferably both keepers. One player bounces the ball so it will go over the head of his partner. Partner jumps for the ball and yells Keeper,” catching the ball over head in a W.

Make sure that the catcher brings their knee up to protect their midsection. After the catch the catcher becomes the server for his partner. If a coach is warming up the only keeper have the player roll the ball back to the coach just the way they would serve it to a full back in a game situation.

Add a third player to create a distraction for the catcher. This player can lightly tap or push the catcher while he is in the act of catching the ball. This simulates some of the contact the keeper will get in the goal area.

Rolling Drills

This first drill starts with the keeper in a sitting position. The keeper has a partner who will serve the ball. The keeper rolls to the right as their partner serves the ball on the ground.

The keeper traps the ball on the ground using both hands. Keeper returns ball to server and rolls to a sitting position again in one motion. Server then rolls ball to the left and the drill is repeated.

After 5 rolls right and 5 rolls left switch keeper and server. This can be an exhausting drill when done at high tempo

Coaching Points

1. Hands still form the W.
2. Top leg bends toward the stomach to protect this area and to provide the impetus, when re-extended, to come back to the original position
3. Keepers body should be slightly curved away from the goal so that the ball cannot simply glance off them and go in

Progression

The next progression is to serve the ball in the air as the keeper rolls right and left. The catch is therefore made in the air and the keeper must cushion the ball as they hit the ground.

The next progression is to have the keeper move slightly forward each time they make a roll. The server backs up an appropriate amount with each roll so that they maintain the distance between keeper and server.

The next progression is to start this drill from the knees and repeat as above and the final progression is to do this drill from a standing position.

Dribble and Scoop

Have the team dribble in an enclosed area. On a signal from the coach, every player leaves their ball and gets another. The keeper has to scoop the ball and clutch it to their chest.

Make sure no one kicks the keeper. Have the players just place their foot on top of the ball to claim it.

Do not allow diving for the ball.

Maker sure the keeper is keeping on his toes, knees flexed.

A common mistake that you should look for in a keeper is slowing down to scoop the ball. The keeper should explode through he ball and after scooping veer to a side, just like they would do in a game situation with an attacker bearing down on them.

Explosive Scoop – Quick Roll Return

Have a player shoot a ground ball in to the keeper. Keeper explodes towards the ball and scoops it to his chest. He continues on and returns a roll pass to either the same player who shot it or to a third player who has gone wide.

This simulates both the explosive step towards the ball we want the keepers to employ and the quick, on the ground counter-attack which is more conducive to possession play than just punting the ball away.

It is also a good conditioning drill.

Soccer Goalkeeping Drills

In soccer, the goalkeeper position requires a variety of skills different from
the field players. Keepers must have good hands, good footwork, defensive
organizational skills, the ability to dive to save a low shot, and the ability
to jump to parry a ball over the crossbar.

Goalkeeper Training

Often goalkeepers are not given the proper amount of training during your regular
team training sessions. However, altering team training sessions to include the keeper
will work wonders with improving your goalie. Since goalkeeping training needs are
unique to the keeper, having a personal coach outside of practice is often desired.

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9 Essential Goalkeeping Skills | MOJO Sports

It’s important for young soccer players to get a taste of every position on the field — including, when they’re ready, goalkeeper. Typically, keepers aren’t part of the game until kids are a little bit older and more experienced, around age 9 or 10. By then, the idea is that they’ve mastered at least some of the fundamentals, and can move on to positions.

Goalkeepers need to have many of the same basic skills as other soccer players — from ball control to understanding the overall flow of the game. But as the last line of defense, the keeper’s role is a unique one. These 101s help developing goalkeepers master the art of stopping the goal and distributing the ball.

The Basket Catch
Best for balls coming in below waist-height when you can get your body behind the ball, the basket catch is an underarm catch that uses the hands, arms and chest to form a cradle for the ball. And it’s one goalies use fairly often. 

The Diamond Catch
Also known as the contour catch, a goalie uses the diamond catch when the ball is coming in at chest height or higher. And it’s so-named because you create a diamond shape with the thumbs and index fingers, which prevents the ball from flying through your hands.  

Goalkeeper Footwork
A goalie should always try to collect the ball with their whole body behind it. And to do that, they need to get to it quickly, which is why footwork is one of the most important parts of the job.

Collecting the Ball on the Ground
If you can picture a shortstop fielding a ground ball, you’re ahead of the game because it’s not so different here: As with baseball, when a soccer ball is coming in low, the goalie must lean over to scoop it up while making sure it doesn’t slip through their legs.  

The Collapse Dive
When there’s no time for a goalie to move their feet to get fully behind the ball, a collapse dive is a great way to still make the save.

Punching the Ball
Even the best goalkeepers aren’t superhuman. Sometimes, the ball is just … out of reach. So if the ball is coming in over your head and you can’t catch it, don’t fret: You can punch it. 

Goalkeeper Distribution
Goalies have a number of ways to get the ball back into play, whether it’s punting or passing to a teammate. But one of the primary ways is with the hands.

Punting the Ball
A goalkeeper might be the last line of defense, but they’re also the first line of attack. That’s because a solid punt from the goalie can help their team score on the other goal. Punting is a good option when a goalie doesn’t have a defender to distribute to, or they’re unsure they can maintain possession. Instead, punting it high and long gives their teammates time to position themselves to receive the ball.

The Sidewinder
If it sounds like a snake, that’s because this kick has bite.

The sidewinder is one of the more difficult goalkeeping moves to master, but it’s worth the effort. Not only does it look really cool, but it’s also more powerful than a regular punt — more like a line drive than a lob.

For more great soccer drills for kids, check out:

The 10 Best Soccer Passing Drills for U8, U10 and U12

10 Best Soccer Dribbling Drills For U6, U8 And U10

The 10 Best Soccer Drills

At What Age Should Soccer Kids Start Goalkeeper Specific/Academy Training?

I often get asked this question, mostly parents but also other coaches.
I myself, started to goalie train my son at the age of 5, lots of basics, lots of footwork and nothing that specific. Some USSF A license coaches say that I’m wrong, many however think that I’m not, they would be my Pro-Goalkeeper instructors at UEFA FIGC (Coverciano, Italy), or the United Soccer Coaches instructors I have worked with…

So, why shouldn’t we coach them to be better goalies at an early age if they enjoy it? They will be more advanced in the long run from more years’ experience and micro-coaching!

During my USSF D course last year in Bonita Springs, Florida. One of the instructors claimed that until the age of 11 “It’s too early, kids should be just having fun at this age” another said Some of the best goalkeepers in the world didn’t start off as goalkeepers” while some brown nose that was totally behind everything the instructors said, added that ‘There was no specialist goalkeeper training around when I was a U9″ (basically he answered and contradicted himself right there). Leaving that first week of licensing course, I said to my self “OMG!!”

5, 6, 7, 8, 9 year old’s should be having fun at this age and enjoying playing the game that they chose to play and love. There should be for no means any pressure on them to become the next big thing or to get into any clubs or academies, that will happen on its own and if it should happen. Only the kid can decide that, not us as coaches or you as parents!

Most 5-6 year old’s who like playing goalkeeper do it because they love throwing themselves on the ground and in the air, they enjoy all the attention and praise they get for making a game saving save, every save for kids is like scoring a goal!

The important part for me is that the goalies want to be there, inside the 6 yard box. If you push them, they’ll hate it eventually. Kids must have the freedom to decide they don’t want to play in goal anymore and a coach must not enforce them to stay in that role. For me it’s also important that they’re enjoying themselves, that they’re safe and socializing with the group.

Natural talent will eventually come out through quality training and development no matter what age you begin your goalie experience. A lot of the early years goalkeeper coaching in many youth soccer clubs around the US is based on enjoying playing in goal, developing just some of the principles. I won’t be that simple, I will get into detailed training as over the years I have seen this work when watching my younger boys and girls during their competitive games.

Many parents and coaches worry about the child’s height… “What if they’re not tall enough” There is no height restrictions or limits for being a goalie, anybody who is thinking this should take a step back. I have on my academy a GK that is 5’1″, she has a better pounce than most of the girls that are 7 to 8 inches taller than her.

A good goalkeeping coach will make sure that their goalkeepers are constantly working on their own distribution techniques throughout the sessions to build these motor skills and technical ability. I insist that their foot and hand distribution must be pin-point 100% accurate in direction and speed.

It’s vitally important to find a very good coach who is focusing on the correct elements of development for their age and it’s great sometimes to see that the parents also share this belief that the most important part of the session is enjoyment and overall micro-development, rather than the child being pushed to far at this tender age.

for the U7-U10’s group goalkeeper sessions definitely offer the above environment with a lot more ease than one-on-one sessions, they also help turn an isolated position into one with a social support network for the young goalkeeper and the parents.

Most kids 9 years of age and younger, or whatever age they start training, won’t make it to be professional goalkeeper, that’s just how soccer is here in the US. As long as everyone is enjoying it though, there are always benefits to specialized coaching from a young age and maybe they’ll pay you back with an athletics college scholarship ?

What age should youngsters start goalkeeper specific training?

As a coach myself and someone who’s actively involved in the goalkeeping community, I often get asked about goalkeeper coaching for young kids.

By young, I’m talking about children from the age of 5 upwards and it’s something that I’ve always pondered; is it beneficial for children of this age to receive specific goalkeeper training? And should youngsters be specialising in goalkeeping from this early on?

I think the arguments for coaching at a young age are pretty straight forward and logical:

• Why shouldn’t we coach them to be better at an early age if they enjoy it?
• They will be better in the long run from more years’ experience and coaching

As for arguments against, there are a few more and I’ve picked some of them out below to have a look at in more detail:

• It’s too early, kids should be just having fun at this age
• Some of the best goalkeepers in the world didn’t start off as goalkeepers
• ‘There was no specialist goalkeeper training around when I was a lad’
• It’s too early for them to pick a position, what if they don’t grow tall enough?
• Goalkeepers need to be able to play football nowadays, so let them learn to play first!

Kids’ should just be having fun at this stage

I completely agree with this statement, kids should be having fun at this age and enjoying playing the game they love. There should be no pressure on them to become the next big thing or to get into any clubs or academies.

This is why there is a rule that academies can’t recruit players until they are at least 9 years of age, although some get round it by having ‘development clubs’ based on fun.

Most 5-6 year olds who like playing in goal do it because they love throwing themselves through the air or into the mud and enjoy the attention and praise they get for making a great save.

But so long as the coaching – as with outfield football coaching at this age group – is focused on having fun, building up their motor functions, keeping healthy, building social skills and enjoying themselves whilst developing goalkeeping skills, I don’t see why this can’t be done from an early age.

The important bit for me is that the children want to be there – rather than being pushed there to become the next big thing – and have the freedom to decide they don’t want to play in goal anymore. As well as this, for me it’s important they are enjoying themselves, are safe and socialising in a group environment with peers of around their own age.

I personally think that one to one training at this age is too intense and focused on technical goalkeeping too much and shouldn’t be considered – particularly as it’s a large financial investment when the child may decide a few months later they want to play as a striker!

Some of the best goalkeepers in the world didn’t start off as keepers

A very factual statement, we’ve interviewed a few keepers in our time running Keeper Portal – both male and female and a good proportion of them didn’t start off playing in goal as well as some huge names who we’ve not interviewed!

Let’s check out a quick list of some of the keepers you might know who started playing in other positions and have all represented their country as a goalkeeper!

So, if they didn’t need to start playing in goal so early on in their development, why would your child?

Well there are two things here firstly, for a lot of these keepers there wasn’t as much access to goalkeeper specific training when they were younger. Therefore, the keepers they were competing against when trying to break into academies mostly hadn’t had much formal goalkeeper training either so it was a level playing field.

Secondly, natural talent will eventually come out through training and development no matter what age you begin your journey. A lot of the early years goalkeeper coaching is as above based on enjoying playing in goal, developing the principles, and building and refining motor skills. Picking up goalkeeping at a later age allows the keeper to understand the concepts in more detail and refine them having already developed their motor skills through other sports / positions.

There was no specialist goalkeeper training around when I was a lad

As above, this means that the playing field was level so it wasn’t a disadvantage to not have received specialised training in the past, now a lot of goalkeepers have access to coaching from a very young age and it can certainly make a difference to a young goalkeeper’s ability at that age.

But as academies don’t open their doors until age 9, there is plenty of time for a young keeper to start looking at specialised training much later than 5-6 years of age. 

It’s too early for them to pick a position, what if they don’t grow tall enough?

There is no height limit for being a goalkeeper, anybody who is thinking this about a 5-6 year old needs to take a step back and think about why they are looking for goalkeeper training for their child.

This shouldn’t be about putting them through training so they can become a professional goalkeeper, or the next England number 1. This is about helping them to enjoy a sport and position they enjoy a little bit more by giving them some development and skills they can use to perform better and enjoy themselves.

Goalkeepers need to be able to play football nowadays, so let them learn to play first!

There is certainly a big increase in the amount of time a goalkeeper spends with the ball at their feet compared to in their hands and you only have to look at the signing of goalkeepers like Claudio Bravo for Manchester City to see how important coaches are making it as a priority for their keepers at the top level.

A good goalkeeping coach will make sure that their keepers are constantly working on their own distribution and kicking techniques throughout the sessions to build these motor skills and technical ability, whether through obvious drills or by simply making them be the servers for the sessions who kick the ball at goal for their fellow keepers to save.

However, playing outfield has even more opportunities to work on their distribution as well as gaining tactical knowledge and understanding of the game from a whole new perspective. So in terms of goalkeepers playing outfield at any point in their playing career, I’m all for it!

Final Thoughts

Youngsters age 5-6 shouldn’t be pressured into playing in goal, or staying in goal if they want to change position. But if they genuinely love playing that position right now, then coaching – if done right – can help them to enjoy it even more and develop as a footballer and as a young person.

It’s important to find a good coach who is focusing on the correct elements of development for their age though and that the parent / guardian also share this belief that the most important part of the session is enjoyment and overall development, rather than the child being the next big thing by age 7.

Group coaching sessions definitely offer the above environment with a lot more ease than 1-to-1 sessions and help turn a pretty isolated position into one with a social support network for the youngster and the parent.

Most children, whatever age they start training, won’t make it to professional football unfortunately, that’s just how the football pyramid works. As long as everyone is enjoying it though – there are benefits to specialised coaching from a young age, but there are also huge benefits to complimenting it with other sports and playing other positions too.

10 Soccer Goalie Drills to Block Every Shot

Being a goalie in soccer is a very unique position and one of the toughest positions to play.

As a coach, you must find soccer goalie drills that incorporate the goalkeepers into your training sessions.

If you’re coaching a young team, chances are that you don’t have a specific goalie on the team and instead all players rotate through the position. ..

Using soccer goalie drills will allow you to determine which of your players is best suited for the role and also which players enjoy filling this role.

Below are 10 soccer goalie drills you can use to implement goalkeeping into your training sessions.

1. Agility Hands

How the Drill Works:

A goalkeeper works through a series of cones and sticks before attempting to catch soccer balls that are kicked at them from short distance.

Purpose:

Develops a goalkeeper’s footwork and agility while focuses on soft hands and improving their catching abilities.

Setup:

• It is best to do this in front of a full-size goal for goalkeepers to get more comfortable with their box. Using a goal also keeps the soccer balls close in case a catch is missed. If a goal is unavailable, this drill can be completed without one.
• Set up series of cones in front of the goal. See the diagrams below for different variations.
• Set up two mannequins, about 6-7 yards apart from each other, at the end of the series of cones. If mannequins are not available, cones can also be used.
• One goalkeeper starts on the goal line.
• Two extra goalkeepers, players, or coaches are needed as servers to complete this drill. Have the two servers stand 4-5 yards off each mannequin with a ball in their hands.
• Give each server 3-5 extra soccer balls.

Instructions:

1. The goalkeeper in front of the goal begins by quickly moving through the series of cones in front of the goal.
2. After completing the series of cones, the goalkeeper quickly moves to the outside of the nearest mannequin.
3. As soon as the goalkeeper arrives outside the first mannequin, the server standing behind that mannequin drop kicks the ball towards the goalkeeper’s chest.
4. The goalkeeper catches the ball and immediately throws it back to the server before quickly shuffling across to the outside of the other mannequin where they will repeat the same process.
5. After throwing the ball back to the second server, the goalkeeper runs backwards, using the proper footwork, to their starting point in front of goal before repeating the same process until they complete 8-12 catches.
6. After the goalkeeper completes their round, rest and recover any lost soccer balls. If there is more than one goalkeeper, rotate them in and continue the activity.
7. Each goalkeeper should complete three rounds. Switch the footwork used through the series of cones after each round. See diagrams for more information.

Variations:

Passes instead of catches – Servers pass on the ground and goalkeepers must pass the ball back to the servers in one-touch.

Jumping catches – Servers toss the ball high so the goalkeepers must jump up and catch the ball.

Dive – Servers toss, or pass, the ball wide outside the mannequins to make the goalkeeper dive and collect the ball.

Coaching Points:

• Challenge the goalkeepers to work as quickly as possible when completing their round.
• Teach the goalkeepers to not cross their feet and to take quick, sharp steps when working through the cones.
• Remind the goalkeepers to get their bodies behind the ball when they catch the ball. Goalkeepers should move their feet quickly to move their bodies in to the proper catching position behind the ball.

2. Deflect and Dive

How the Drill Works:

The goalkeeper working attempts to block a low shot at one post before quickly getting up and moving across the goal to block a high shot at the far post.

Purpose:

Develops goalkeepers’ ability to move back and forth across the goal to block shots. Goalkeepers improve their quickness and agility as they attempt to block shots.

Setup:

• One full size goal is needed for the drill.
• One goalkeeper starts on the goal line.
• Three extra players are needed as servers for this activity. If there are not three more goalkeepers, players or coaches can be used to fill in the remaining serving positions.
     1. Server #1 will start on the goal end line, 1-2 yards off on of the goal posts.
     2. Server #2 will be positioned inside the field, 6-8 yards off the opposite goal post of Server #1.
     3. Server #3 will stand inside the field, 8-9 yards away from the center of the goal.
  See diagram for more information.
• Servers #1 and #3 must have a good supply of soccer balls.
• Decide on the number of soccer balls the goalkeeper will attempt to save before resting. 4-8 soccer balls are ideal.

Instructions:

1. Server #1 starts the drill with a low pass towards server #2.
2. As the ball approaches server #2, the goalkeeper moves towards the receiver to cut off the scoring angles.
3. Server #2 takes a low, one-touch shot while the goalkeeper attempts to block the shot using their hands or feet.
4. Immediately after the low shot, the goalkeeper gets up and quickly moves towards the other post while server #3 throws a ball high to the post the goalkeeper is moving towards. The goalkeeper dives and attempts to block, or catch the ball.
5. Depending on the age, fitness level, and number of goalkeepers present, give the working goalkeeper a few seconds to reset before completing the process again for another 2-3 repetitions. If the goalkeepers are fit, give them no time to reset in-between repetitions. If multiple goalkeepers are present, keep the repetitions to 2-3 before quickly rotating in the next goalkeeper.
6. Switch the sides the serves are on after a few rounds so that goalkeepers work on both ways.
7. Each goalkeeper should complete 3-6 rounds. Complete more rounds if desired, or if the number of repetitions per round is short.

Variations:

Shots – Instead of throws, or light passes, move the servers further away from the goal and have the servers use their feet to shoot on goal. Same pattern as listed above. Shooters should be aiming to put the ball in the same place as listed above as well. This makes the saves more game-like and forces goalkeepers to be faster and stronger on the blocks.

Coaching Points:

• Depending on the goalkeepers’ age and skill level, make sure to spend time on the movements and how to properly cut off the scoring angles before beginning this activity. For younger, less experienced goalkeepers, start slow and focus on the steps and angles before focusing on speed and saves.
• Remind the servers that the first shot should be on the ground while the second one should be high up and almost out of the goalkeepers reach. The shots/tosses should start without too much power. As the goalkeepers improve, increase the power and difficulty of the serves.
• Instruct the goalkeepers to keep their weight forward and react quickly after each ball.
• The goalkeepers should stay square while diving and landing on the ground. The goalkeepers should land on their hip and keep the largest part of their body behind the ball to build good habits.

3. Goalie Wars

How the Drill Works:

Two goalkeepers play against each other attempting to score in the other’s goal. Each goalkeeper can throw, kick, or drop kick the ball at the other goalkeeper in an attempt to score while the other goalkeeper attempts to save the ball.

Purpose:

Fun and competitive game for goalkeepers that develops their footwork, reflexes, agility, distribution, and confidence. Goalkeepers get to compete against each other in a high intensity game.

Setup:

• Set up a 20×15 playing grid using cones. Make sure there is one cone on each sideline of the grid that marks the half way point.
• Set up one full-sized goal on each end line.
• Use a couple of cones to mark a line 5-yards in front of each goal. These two zones are known as the “goalie zones.” The cones should not be in the way of the play, but should be easily seen for the goalkeepers to be aware of.
• One goalkeeper is needed in each of the goals. If there are extra goalkeepers, have them stand off to the side and retrieve any soccer balls that miss the goal. Rotate the goalkeepers after each round.
• A good supply of soccer balls is needed in each of the goals.
• Decide on a time, or score limit for each round and the number of rounds to be completed. 3-4 minutes per round, or first goalkeeper to score 5 goals is a good starting point. Play for 4-6 rounds.
• One goalkeeper starts with the soccer ball.

Instructions:

1. The goalkeeper starting with the ball stands inside their goalie zone while the other goalkeeper stands inside of theirs. The goalkeeper with the ball attempts to score on the other goalkeeper by throwing, kicking, drop kicking, or volleying the soccer ball towards the other goal. They must make their attempt inside of their goalie zone.
2. The defending goalkeeper attempts to make a save on the shot before getting a chance to score on the other goalkeeper.
3. If a goalkeeper scores, the goalkeeper who just scored gets to start with a new ball from their goal.
4. If a goalkeeper blocks the shot and the ball goes out-of-bounds, the goalkeeper who made the save, starts with a new ball from their goal.
5. If the soccer ball hits off a goal post, or the defending goalkeeper gives up a rebound, and the ball rolls back into the shooting goalkeeper’s half, the shooting goalkeeper gets a one-touch shot attempt from anywhere inside their own half.
6. The game continues in this manner for the remainder of the round.
7. After the round is over, goalkeepers rest and collect any balls that missed the goal. If there are more than two goalkeepers, have them rotate in immediately and begin play. If there are only two goalkeepers present, give the goalkeepers 2-3 minutes of rest before starting the next round.

Variations:

2-on-2 – Best for younger goalkeepers. Use the same rules, but have teams of two goalkeepers compete against each other.

Scoring techniques – Change the rules to keep the game new. Allow only kicking from the ground, or only throws, or any other scoring technique to make the game more difficult.

Coaching Points:

• Encourage the goalkeepers to catch as many balls as possible to decrease the amount of second chances the shooting goalkeeper gets.
• Challenge the goalkeepers to score as often as possible and to use different scoring techniques.
• Remind the goalkeepers to stay on their toes to react quickly to the incoming ball and make a save.
• Make sure the goalkeepers have fun and keep it competitive. Motivate and congratulate goalkeepers to keep them working.

4. Goalkeeper Reaction

How the Drill Works:

A goalkeeper must react to two attacking players running behind mannequin defenders looking to receive the ball from the passer and score. The goalkeeper is unaware of which attacking player will be passed to and must move to quickly close them down and make a save on their close-range shot.

Purpose:

Develops goalkeepers’ positioning, quick decision making, and shot stopping. Attackers improve the 1-on-1 finishing abilities with a live goalkeeper as well as their timing of their runs and first touch.

Setup:

• Place three mannequins, flags, or cones 1-3 yards outside of the penalty box. They should be placed parallel to the penalty box line with 5-7 yards between each one. See diagram for picture.
• Place one cone 10-12 yards directly above each mannequin. These cones will the starting points for the three attackers.
• A full-size goal is needed on the end line of the penalty area.
• One goalkeeper is positioned in goal. If there are extra goalkeepers, have them stand to the side of the goal and rotate every 1-2 repetitions.
• At least three extra players are needed as the attackers in this activity. If there are more than three attackers, have them form lines behind the cones and rotate after each repetition. It is best if the attackers are field players.
• Place 4-6 soccer balls with the attacker on the center cone.
• One attacker starts behind each of the three cones. The attacking player on the center cone starts with a ball at their feet.

Instructions:

1. To start, the attacking player with the ball dribbles towards the mannequins. The goalkeeper starts in front of their goal in good position for a long range shot, or a through ball behind their defense.
2. The attackers on the wings, without the ball, begin to make their runs towards the outside mannequins setting themselves up to receive a through ball behind the mannequins.
3. The attacker with the ball passes to one of the two attackers running behind the mannequins.
4. The goalkeeper immediately moves, while the ball is traveling, towards the attacking player attempting to cut of the scoring angles and get as big as possible.
5. The attacking player takes a 1-touch shot, or attempts to receive the pass and dribble around the goalkeeper.
6. The goalkeeper reacts to the attacker’s choice and attempts to make a save on the ball.
7. The attacking player who receives the through ball, is not allowed to use the other two attackers when attempting to score.
8. The attacking players should time their runs to stay onside and make the activity more realistic.
9. After a save, or a goal, the players and goalkeeper reset and repeat the process as soon as they are ready. If there are extra goalkeepers, have them rotate after 1-2 repetitions. If there are extra attacking players, have them rotate after every repetition.
10. The activity continues until each goalkeeper has completed at least 7-10 repetitions.

Variations:

More attackers – If there are more attacking players, add another attacker to make the goalkeeper react to another attacking position.

Long-range shot – To keep the goalkeepers honest, tell the attacking player who dribbles towards the mannequins that they can take a long-range shot, instead of passing to the other attackers, if they see the goalkeeper is out of position.

Coaching Points:

• Remind the goalkeepers to start in a good position in case a long-range shot is taken. The activity does not call for a long-range shot, but make the goalkeepers stay honest and work on their positioning. The goalkeepers should constantly be moving and adjusting their position.
• Challenge the goalkeeper to make a quick decision and to attack the ball. If the goalkeeper can get to the ball before the attacking player, they should!
• Educate the goalkeepers on proper footwork and to stay on their toes to react quickly to the attacking situation.
• Challenge the attacking players to score as often as possible and give the goalkeeper good practice.
• Remind the attacking players to try and stay onside with their runs.

5. Move With The Ball

How the Drill Works:

With one goalkeeper in goal, five extra players pass the ball around the top of the penalty area while the goalkeeper adjusts their position according to the ball. When one of the five players decide to take a shot, the goalkeeper reacts and attempts to make a save.

Purpose:

Develops a goalkeeper’s positioning in goal depending on the ball location. A goalkeeper improves their footwork and reaction time when attempting to block the shots.

Setup:

• One full-size goal is needed.
• Five extra goalkeepers, players, or coaches are needed for this activity. If only three, or four, extras are available, the activity can still be completed. Have the extras spread out evenly around the top of the penalty area.
• Keep a supply of soccer balls behind the extra players.
• One goalkeeper starts in goal.
• The extra players start with one ball.

Instructions:

1. The extra players start the activity by passing the ball between each other.
2. The goalkeeper follows the ball and adjusts their position accordingly.
3. After four passes, any player is free to take a shot on goal, especially if they feel the goalkeeper is out of position.
4. The goalkeeper attempts to make a save on the ball.
5. The goalkeeper bounces back up and the extra players start passing another ball to repeat the process.
6. The goalkeeper should complete 4-6 repetitions before resting and retrieving the soccer balls.
7. If there are multiple goalkeepers, have them rotate immediately after a round ends.
8. Each goalkeeper should complete 2-3 rounds.

Variations:

One-touch – For advanced goalkeepers, the extra players must complete the passes and shot in one-touch. This makes the goalkeeper move and react more quickly.

Coaching Points:

• Instruct the goalkeepers to check their posts as they move to make sure they are positioned correctly.
• Remind the goalkeepers to focus on proper footwork when moving. Goalkeepers should not cross their feet and constantly set and reset their feet.
• Encourage the extra players to move the ball quickly and to be creative to give the goalkeeper more of a challenge.

How the Drill Works:

Eight soccer balls are positioned at the edge of the penalty box. Two players take turns shooting while one goalkeeper attempts to block one shot after another in rapid succession.

Purpose:

Develops a goalkeeper’s ability to quickly save one shot and be able to bounce back quickly and react to the next shot. Goalkeepers improve their footwork and reaction time.

Setup:

• One full-size goal.
• One goalkeeper positioned in front of the goal.
• Two more goalkeepers, coaches, or players are required to be the shooters. If there are multiple goalkeepers, have them rotate positions after each set of eight soccer balls.
• Place 8 soccer balls on the edge of the penalty box. If a penalty box is not being used, position the soccer balls about 18 yards away from the goal.

Instructions:

1. To start the activity, one of the shooters takes a shot on goal while the goalkeeper attempts to make a save.
2. As soon as the first shot is saved, or scored, the second shooters takes another shot.
3. The shooters alternate taking shots until there are no more soccer balls left.
4. The goalkeeper in goal must quickly react after each shot and move to attempt to save the next shot.
5. After eight soccer balls have been shot, collect the soccer balls, and reset them on the penalty box line. If there is only one goalkeeper, give them plenty of rest time before repeating the same process for the next round. If there are multiple goalkeepers, have the next goalkeeper rotate in and repeat the process immediately.
6. Repeat until each goalkeeper completes 3-4 rounds.

Variations:

Number of shots – Depending on the age and skill level of the goalkeeper, or goalkeepers, increase, or decrease the number of shots per round. More shots per round will demand more fitness and increase the goalkeeper’s stamina.

Shot angle and distance – Change the angle or distance of the shots to make the goalkeepers work on different saves.

Coaching Points:

• Challenge the goalkeeper to get back up on their feet as quickly as possible after each shot. This will give the goalkeeper the best chance of moving and reacting to the next shot.
• Remind the goalkeeper to catch as many shots as possible. This will build good habits to decrease the amount of rebound opportunities the goalkeeper gives up in a game.
• Educate the goalkeepers to focus on footwork and balance.
• Instruct the shooters to add more power to their shots as the goalkeeper get more comfortable. Accuracy should be stressed more than power for the shooters. Shooters should give the goalkeeper just enough time to get up and make a save on the next shot, but not enough time that the goalkeeper has time to reset.

7. Tip the Ball Over

How the Drill Works:

A goalkeeper starts on the 6-yard line and attempts to back pedal and tip the thrown ball over the crossbar.

Purpose:

Develops a goalkeeper’s ability to recover backwards and tip the ball over the crossbar when a catch is not possible. Improves the goalkeeper’s jumping and timing skills when recovering from being out of position.

Setup:

• A full-sized goal is needed.
• One goalkeeper starts on the 6-yard line facing forward.
• One extra goalkeeper, player, or coach is needed as a server. The server stands about 12-15 yards away from the goal with a good supply of soccer balls.
• The server starts with one ball in their hands.

Instructions:

1. The server starts the drill by throwing the ball over the goalkeeper and towards the goal in any direction. The server is aiming to get the ball to drop into the goal just below the crossbar.
2. The goalkeeper must quickly move backwards and time their jump to tip the ball over the crossbar.
3. Immediately after landing, the goalkeeper pops up and returns to the 6-yard line to repeat the process.
4. The server should throw the next ball as soon as the goalkeeper gets to the 6-yard line. The server should vary the location the ball is thrown (center, left, or right).
5. The goalkeeper should complete 6-8 repetitions before resting and collecting the soccer balls.
6. If there is more than one goalkeeper have them rotate and complete the same process.
7. Each goalkeeper should complete 2-3 rounds.

Variations:

Distance – Adjust the goalkeeper’s starting point depending on the age and skill level of the goalkeepers. The further away from goal, the more difficult the save.

Coaching Points:

• Teach the goalkeepers to not cross their feet when moving backwards. The proper footwork is the most important skill in this activity.
• Educate the goalkeepers to turn slightly in the direction of the ball as they move backwards. Goalkeepers should turn left slightly if the ball is over their left should and vice-versa for the right side.
• Challenge the goalkeepers to focus on the timing of their jumps and to jump off the foot closest to the goal.
• Teach the goalkeepers to tip the ball with the hand closest to the ball and to use the heel of the palm to tip the ball over the crossbar when possible.
• Instruct the goalkeepers to keep their eyes on the ball even after making contact with the ball.

8. Traffic Crosses

How the Drill Works:

A goalkeeper works around a series of mannequins as a ball is crossed into the penalty area for the goalkeeper to catch, or punch clear.

Purpose:

Develop a goalkeeper’s ability to move around defenders and catch a crossed ball out of the air. Goalkeepers improve their timing and confidence with balls served into a crowded penalty box.

Setup:

• Place 3-4 mannequins (flags, poles or passive players can also be used) around the 6-yard box.
• One full-size goal is needed on the end line of the penalty area.
• One goalkeeper starts inside the 6-yard box in front of the goal. If there are extra goalkeepers, use them as the servers, or have them stand to the side of the goal and rotate in every 4-6 repetitions.
• At least one extra goalkeeper, player, or coach is needed as the server. If there are more servers, have them create a line and rotate services. The server starts outside of the penalty box on one side.
• 5-8 soccer balls work best for this activity. This drill can be completed with just one soccer ball, but having extra helps keep the drill moving in the event of a miss-hit cross.

Instructions:

1. The server starts the drill by crossing a ball, in the air, into the penalty box. The crosser should aim to deliver the ball 6-10 yards out from the goal so the goalkeeper must move to get to the ball.
2. Once the cross is hit, the goalkeeper moves around the mannequins and times their jump to catch the ball at the highest point they can reach. The goalkeeper is free to punch the ball away as well, but catching the ball is the performed method.
3. As soon as the goalkeeper catches it, they then throw the ball out as quickly as possible to the server as if they were starting the counter attack. This develops the goalkeeper’s distribution.
4. Once the server and goalkeeper as reset positions, the process is repeated for the remaining repetitions.
5. After 4-6 repetitions, the goalkeeper rests and retrieves any extra soccer balls that are not with the server. If there are extra goalkeepers, have them rotate in immediately and begin their turn.
6. Complete at least 3 rounds on one side before switching sides and repeating the process.

Variations:

Active attackers – Instead of using mannequins, add two active players inside the penalty area who are attempting to score on each cross.

Different crosses – Switch up the services and where they are serviced from. Have the crossers drive, loft, or curl crosses in from different angles along the outside of the penalty area.

Coaching Points:

• Challenge the goalkeepers to focus on the ball while being aware of the mannequins or players. Goalkeepers should maintain eye contact on the ball and attack the ball.
• The goalkeepers should quickly decide whether they can win the ball with a catch, or punch, or if they need to stay inside the goal. Some crosses will be too far away from the goal for a goalkeeper to commit to. Have goalkeepers find their range.
• Educate the goalkeepers to make a full commitment to their decision so that they do not get stuck in the middle. Goalkeepers need to quickly, and fully commit to a decision.
• Challenge the goalkeepers to attack the ball quickly and decisively.
• Goalkeepers should time their jumps so that they are catching the ball at the top of their jump. The proper jumping technique is jumping off one leg while the other leg bends and uses the knee to protect them from incoming players.
• Teach the goalkeepers to punch the ball as far away as possible whenever they are unsure they can cleanly catch the ball.

9. Turn, Find, Dive

How the Drill Works:

On the command, a goalkeeper turns around to locate the target ball in the six soccer balls that are tossed towards them. The goalkeeper must quickly find the target ball and then quickly dive to recover it.

Purpose:

Develops a goalkeeper’s vision and reaction time. Goalkeepers improve their footwork and agility as well as they move to attack the target ball.

Setup:

• Use one full-size goal. This activity can also be completed using cones, or sticks, set up using the same dimensions as a full-size goal.
• One goalkeeper starts in the goal, or in-between the sticks. The goalkeeper starts facing away from the field.
• Six soccer balls are needed. One soccer ball needs to be a different color than the other five soccer balls. This soccer ball will be the target ball.
• Three extra goalkeepers, players, or coaches are needed as servers to complete this activity. The three servers stand on the 6-yard line with one soccer ball in each hand, facing the goalkeeper’s backside. One server will have the target soccer ball.

Instructions:

1. On the coach’s signal, the servers randomly throw/toss their soccer balls into the 6-yard area in front of the goal.
2. The coach then immediately shouts “Go!” and the goalkeeper must quickly turn, find the target ball, and dive to collect the ball.
3. Servers collect the soccer balls and the goalkeeper resets their position by returning to the goal and turning away from the servers.
4. As soon as the players and soccer balls are reset, repeat the process 4-6 more times before resting, or rotating the next goalkeeper in.
5. Each goalkeeper should complete at least 10-12 repetitions, or 2-3 rounds.

Variations:

Number of balls – For younger, or less experienced goalkeepers, start with just 3-4 soccer balls. Increase the number of soccer balls as the goalkeepers improve their reaction time.

Number of servers – If three servers is not possible, just use two servers with three soccer balls. One soccer ball in each hand, and one soccer ball at their feet.

Coaching Points:

• Teach the goalkeepers to stay light on their feet with their weight forward after their turn so they can attack the target ball quickly.
• Goalkeepers should focus on the proper footwork and agility when diving for the ball.
• Educate the goalkeepers to catch the ball first, using a good hand position, and then cushion the ball in when diving for the target ball.
• Remind the goalkeepers to not worry about landing before catching the ball.
• Challenge the goalkeepers to stay square while diving and land on the ground with their stomach behind the ball.

10. Under Pressure

How the Drill Works:

A goalkeeper starts from a goal kick and attempts to play out the approaching defenders’ pressure when possible. The goalkeeper and four extra players attempt to pass out of the back against three defenders.

Purpose:

Develops goalkeeper’s confidence and feet when placed under pressure. Goalkeepers increase their touch and decision making when completing this activity. Goalkeepers improve their ability to help their defenders play out of the opponent’s pressure and keep possession for their team.

Setup:

• One half of the field can be used for the drill.
• One full-sized goal should be placed on the end line.
• Set up two cone gates on the half line about 10-15 yards inside of each sideline. The cone gates should 3-4 yards wide.
• Seven extra players are needed. Works best if these players are field players. Four players should be given matching colored vests and will be on the goalkeeper’s team. The other three players will be the defending team and should be given a different jersey color then the attacking team.
• Place a line of cones 15 yards off the edge of the penalty box. This will be the line the three defenders must start behind.
• The four players on the goalkeeper’s team should get into a 3-1 formation with three defenders spread across the width of the field and one midfielder just in front of them.
• The goalkeeper starts with the ball inside the 6-yard box. All the extra soccer balls should be kept inside the goalkeeper’s goal.

Instructions:

1. The goalkeeper starts the drill by passing the ball to one of their teammates outside the penalty box.
2. The receiving player passes the ball directly back to the goalkeeper.
3. As soon as the receiving player touches the ball, the three defenders are free to move in front of their cone line and put the other team under pressure.
4. The goalkeeper receives the ball from their teammate and attempts to pass and move with their teammates to play out of the defender’s pressure. The goalkeeper and field players attempt to pass, or dribble the ball through the two gates on the half-line.
5. The three defenders move and attempt to steal the ball and score on the other team.
6. If a goal is scored, or the ball goes out-of-bounds, for either team, the players reset and the goalkeeper restarts the activity with a goal kick.
7. The process is repeated for 4-6 repetitions before goalkeepers rest, or rotate positions. Field players should also switch roles every 4-6 repetitions.
8. Each goalkeeper should complete two rounds.

Variations:

Add or subtract players – Add more, or less, attackers, or defenders. Switch up the numbers and numbers advantages.

Coaching Points:

• Instruct the goalkeepers to use their first touch to move the ball away from the approaching defender.
• Remind the goalkeepers to keep their eyes up to see the field and where the ball should be passed.
• Educate the goalkeepers on the right time to play versus the right time to just kick the ball up field and out of danger.
• Encourage the goalkeepers to use the inside of their foot to clear the ball up the field. This part of the foot is bigger than the laces and is a safer decision.
• Teach the goalkeeper’s team to constantly move and find good passing angles for each other. There will be spaces to play, but players will need to look around and move into them to help keep possession of the ball and break the defenders high pressure.
• Challenge the field players to compete to win the ball and to not lose the ball.

Looking for Drills for the Rest of Your Team?

We’ve compiled all 11 of our “soccer drills” posts into one resource page.

Make sure you check it out!

6 Soccer Goalkeeper Training and Soccer Fitness Drills

They are often considered the odd ones out.   The players who train by themselves, require different skills; and different soccer fitness; you have to be mad to be a goalkeeper.  Or, at least, a bit different.  That is changing, however.  In the best teams these days – and these are sides to which we should all aspire – the keeper is more than a big guy with safe hands.  More even than somebody who can thump the ball into Row Z of the empty bleachers.

Current thinking sees the keeper as the starting point to attacks.  Somebody with good enough ball skills to have a good first touch, and to be able to pass accurately.  A modern keeper needs to have the vision to start attacks with a quick throw or a long pass – all on top of keeping concentration, inspiring confidence in the defense and making saves as needed.

So, you don’t have to be mad to be a keeper, but it helps to be multi-talented. You also have to be in good shape.

Soccer Fitness Drill 1: Recovery – Training

One key skill for a keeper is the ability to recover from a dive.   Many shots will be parried, and although it is safest to deflect the ball for a corner, to give the defense time to re-organize, that is not always possible.

For this drill, there is a shooter, two rebound players and a keeper.  Because the aim is to get the keeper moving from side to side quickly, a lot of balls need to be available.

The shooter shoots or throws the ball for the keeper, making him dive to make the save; if the ball is caught or deflected for a corner, another shot immediately follows to the other side of the goal.  If a shot is parried, the rebound players seek to get in a shot for which the keeper must recover.

The physical conditioning for this type of activity can be worked at in the gym or at home.  Sit ups develop abdominal strength.  Another exercise (requiring a mat, or soft surface such as grass) involves lying flat and laterally on your side, then leaping up, and getting down the other way, and repeating the drill.  This develops spring, speed and abdominal strength.

Goalkeeper Training Drill 2: First Touch and Pass

This is very much a soccer skill for today, where the goalkeeper is employed as a creative player to start a move.  The soccer training drill requires two full back, the keeper and an offensive player to pressure the keeper.  A full back gives a back pass, the keeper shows a good first touch to take the ball away from the on rushing pressure player, and then plays a pass out to the other full back.  The drill is then repeated.  It can be developed by the striker starting with a chip to the keeper, and the full backs starting narrower.  They then pull wide and the keeper throws or passes to one of these team mates.  As the keeper improves, more players can be added.

Goalkeeper Training Drill 3: Angles and Saves

This drill seeks to help keepers get their angles right.  They need to adopt a position where the smallest part of the goal possible is available to the striker.   The drill is simple.  Some attackers take shots from various positions on the pitch, the keeper quickly moving to cover the correct angles.

The drill can develop into a rondo style session, with four attackers and two defenders.  The offensive players pass laterally and get into shooting positions, the keeper moves to cover the correct angles.

Goalkeeper Training Drill 4: One v One

This is a natural development from the drill above.  This time strikers move at pace towards the keeper, before either dribbling around or shooting.

The key skills for the keeper to practice are:

• Stay upright for as long as possible;
• Make yourself big by jumping in a star shape, covering as much of the goal area as possible;
• Position to force the attacker as wide as possible. This gives time for defensive cover and narrows the angle for shots.
• Come out as far as possible, usually to the edge of the area so that the maximum distance to goal is covered while the advantage of being able to use hands is maintained. The straighter the run from the offensive player, the further the keeper aims to come out

Soccer Fitness Goalkeeper Training Drill 5: Crosses

Being able to deal with crosses fills the defense with confidence. In the simple training drill below, the ball is thrown or crossed from various positions.  One attacker seeks to put the keeper under pressure.  The keeper concentrates on taking the ball at its highest position he or she can reach; making the decision whether to catch or punch (punching being less ideal, but easier.)  Punches seek to be delivered with height and distance.

This training drill can be made more realistic with the addition of more attacking and defensive minded players, to recreate the match situation.

Practice can be carried out at home with a wall.  Using the rebounds, aim to take the ball at the highest point possible.

There are many other soccer skills a keeper can work on – concentration (try shouting at the defense nonstop, it focuses the mind), reflexes (practice catch a small ball, like a tennis ball), communication.   Here are some examples of what keepers could aspire to, with some of the best saves of recent years.

If you loved this post, you’ll love our book below on Soccer Fitness.

90,000 Peculiarities of training a goalkeeper in children’s football

Interview with the founder of the L.I. Yashin School of Goalkeepers – Vasily Frolov.

– Tell us about yourself.

Vasily: My name is Vasily Sergeevich Frolov, I work with goalkeepers. Slowly create your own goalkeeper holding. This includes training, tournaments, training camps, TriOut views, where we try to give the guys a path to big football. I try to develop everything related to goalkeepers.

– The goalkeeper is also a football player. Why do you single out goalkeeper training as separate?

Vasily: There is a huge layer of the goalkeeper’s play, which is very different from the field. Now football is developing so much that if the goalkeeper does not constantly improve the elements of the game in his role, then he is unlikely to achieve high results. Therefore, we need the specifics of working with an individual coach, a specialist in his field – from childhood to professional football.This year I was lucky, I closed all the steps of the coach’s work, which, in principle, are possible.

– Does the goalkeeper train with the football team or separately?

Vasily: It is very important to train separately. Now it is very important for the goalkeeper to hone the movement elements associated with the opposition of the game against the opposing team. Now the speed of the ball and the movements of the players increases so much that all the elements must be done as clearly as possible.Plus, every year the result prevails more due to the fact that football is developing. The goalkeeper is now categorically impossible to make mistakes: a lot of competition is growing, as well as among field players. You have to work hard, both individually and with a team.

– How many team and individual training sessions per week?

Vasily: It all depends on the capabilities of the academy, in which the person is engaged and the goalkeeper himself (parents, if it is a little boy).If there is an opportunity to engage in each workout, first separately, and then with the team, that’s cool. But this opportunity is only available in top academies. Nevertheless, this is not always and can be beneficial: sometimes the guys are very overloaded: first they are squeezed as much as possible by the goalkeeping coach, and then by the team. And if this is a tender age, especially a transitional one – from 11 to 13 years old – then this can have a bad effect. But in general, the goalkeeper should have individual training sessions with a coach at least twice a week.Or at first training only with the coach of goalkeepers and then after a pause with the team so that the nervous system cools down. Because for goalkeepers, the stress is strongly linked to the nervous system. The field player looks a little at one point, which cannot be said about the goalkeeper. Psychology is very important for a goalkeeper: it is important to be able to tune oneself in difficult moments.

– How should a child / parent / coach understand that a player should be on goal?

Vasily: Everyone is different, everything is individual.The perfect recipe does not exist anywhere, but there are examples that give reason to think. Let me give you an example of the guys who work with me, how they became goalkeepers. Someone comes because once they watched football and decided: “I want to be a goalkeeper.” The second comes because he was faced with the fact: either to leave the team, or to become a goalkeeper. Parents say: “We want to stay in this team, it is strong, good.” Such a boy came in June of the year before last, now he is the main goalkeeper of his age in the Russian club league.Sometimes work beats talent.

Another story is pleasant for me. A boy comes to me, whose parents say that the child did not even play football, let alone stand at the goal. I watched the film “Lev Yashin. The goalkeeper of my dreams “and said:” Buy me gloves, boots, I want to be a goalkeeper. ” Such examples are also energizing. And the cooler we have examples of goalkeepers in our country, the more there will be. For example, in one of our goalkeepers, I definitely see potential. In general, whoever is not the best is the goalkeeper.

Goalkeeper is not a role, it is a vocation. If you become a goalkeeper, then this is forever. First of all, you need your own desire. Fortitude of character is needed, psychological stability. Physical data is not super huge, it will be gone soon. We need a body shape like Neuer’s, for example. He seems to be healthy, but at the same time very fast. Soon, very tall goalkeepers will not be able to keep up with the balls, which are flying faster every year.

– What qualities need to be discerned in order to say: “You’d better go to the gate”?

Vasily: There are many factors.Goalkeeper is not a role, it is a vocation. If you become a goalkeeper, then this is forever. First of all, you need your own desire. Fortitude of character is needed, psychological stability. Physical data is not super huge, it will be gone soon. We need a body shape like Neuer’s, for example. He seems to be healthy, but at the same time very fast. Soon, very tall goalkeepers will not be able to keep up with the balls, which are flying faster every year. Great overall endurance is not required, but the starting speed must be – the goalkeeper must be one of the first to run.In my opinion, up to 12 years old, in general training with the team, the goalkeeper should play in the field. This greatly develops the goalkeeper’s understanding of game situations, looking at the game from the side of the field player. I have an idea to create a team of goalkeepers for Kimberley. So that any goalkeeper who wants to can come and play in the field. But there are certain nuances, it is necessary to prescribe the regulations.

At the training camp in Serbia and Sochi, I collected everything that I give to goalkeepers. I think that the training camp is not only training. Goalkeeper camps are a whole range of activities.In addition to the training process, he held his own tournament. In addition to the tournament, he also played two matches where the junior goalkeeping team played against the senior team. The guys showed more strength in football, but won both games. It was very cool, so I realized that goalkeepers should definitely play in the field. This motivates them to play football, they look at the game from a different angle.

– What should the system of training goalkeepers from toddlers to professionals look like?

Vasily: The most important thing is to psychologically fail the goalkeeper.I believe that a large number of very talented goalkeepers have been nailed in our country, who psychologically did not cope with the load that they had on them in childhood. Sometimes an adult, especially the one you trust, can chop off with just one word, kill any desire. Especially when you hear such words all the time. For some coaches, the goalkeeper is a real outlet. And this is the first thing that cannot be done: the goalkeeper’s psyche must be treated as gently as possible.

There are three main factors in psychology, which we work out very scrupulously at the training camp with the guys.There is a parent, a coach, a team and a goalkeeper himself. The first factor, if parents begin to squeeze the child from childhood: “you should”, “you missed”, “you are to blame.” Every parent must understand the most important thing: he is the first fan in a child’s life. Good fans rejoice with the team in victory, and support in case of defeat. This is how parents should behave, otherwise the child breaks down psychologically. It happens that children from childhood are themselves quite self-critical and it is necessary that they understand: a goal is a part of football.If you did everything in order not to concede a goal, but you conceded it, you cannot reproach and blame yourself. Every goalkeeper must understand this and not “sprinkle ashes on his head” after every game.

Psychology is the most important aspect for a goalkeeper. Well, from childhood you have to learn the elements of the game, because when they start to teach incorrectly, sometimes you see this, that you are amazed. People do not understand that the child is developing, physiological changes are taking place in him. Such things should be removed.

At the training camp I had a little theory before every second lesson.Plus, I managed to get in touch with the only sports psychologist in the country, Vadim Vize, who made a conference on Zoom. This is a complete guide to action, an algorithm for specific actions. My charges were very charged after that came out!

Psychology is the most important aspect for a goalkeeper. Well, from childhood you have to learn the elements of the game, because when they start to teach incorrectly, sometimes you see this, that you are amazed. People do not understand that the child is developing, physiological changes are taking place in him.Such things should be removed. It is a pity that we do not have a unified training system in our country. Every goalkeeper coach sweeps differently. Even teachers start with their own experience. I have been trying to create a systematic approach for a long time, I hope it can be given to the masses so that people have a clear understanding of how to train and what to do.

– How old are you training goalkeepers?

Vasily: Absolutely everyone. The system should not be suitable for the age, but the environment of the goalkeepers.Those who train individually are one system. Goalkeepers in academies are a different system every day. Amateurs who need to be trained as young children are the third, and the teenagers are the fourth. Professionals are a completely different job, the fifth one already. These are so different things. Treating everyone equally can lead to very bad consequences.

– What has been achieved now and what are your plans for the future?

Vasily: First of all , tournament, which I have been holding for two years.I want to say that the goalkeeper can represent your club. I made it so that the goalkeeper only plays against the same as in the yard. The guys really like the tournament, we give gloves for the first place. The guys come from different parts of the country – Tyumen, Kamchatka, Blagoveshchensk, St. Petersburg. The next tournament will be on March 14. There were a maximum of 22 people in one age group. The advantage is that a single space is gathered: parents communicate with parents about goalkeepers and what is happening, children are friends with each other.Even girls can participate, but a year older. The tournament is one of the things that I am very proud of.

For school : I have developed a training system that any goalkeeper coach can understand. She works very well. I would be interested to get some feedback. To do this, any school that wants can contact us, we come – and you get a branch of Yashin’s goalkeeping school at your school. At the same time, the school does not bear the cost of rent, inventory, coach. If anyone is interested, please contact.I am ready to answer any question.

As for other cities, that is, the test branch in St. Petersburg, it is already working quite successfully.

I think we are heading for the number 1 goalkeeper in our country. We need to return our goalkeepers to the elite of world football, so that there will be a queue for them from foreign clubs, as it was before in Soviet times. The main goal is to create a goalkeeper community for cool development. If you take responsibility, then carry it to the end.I want to work in such a way as to rise spiritually and morally, and not force myself to think that we are okay.

– Let’s look into the future.

Vasily: I want to create a large conglomerate of goalkeepers in our country. I’m very interested. I would like the goalkeepers to have a huge cool space in which they could receive answers to all questions, train as efficiently as possible. I would like our goalkeeper tournament to become large, professional.To create a new environment – a tournament for goalkeepers. Of course, there are plans to continue interaction with specialists from other countries, such as Serbia and Spain.

I think we are heading for the number 1 goalkeeper in our country. We need to return our goalkeepers to the elite of world football, so that there will be a queue for them from foreign clubs, as it was before in Soviet times. The main goal is to create a goalkeeper community for cool development. If you take responsibility, then carry it to the end.I want to work in such a way as to rise spiritually and morally, and not force myself to think that we are okay.

– Some kind of positive word and parting words from you.

Vasily: This year everyone should be fine. The most important thing is to work if you want to achieve something. If you want to go towards your goal, do not stop at anything. Do not be afraid of obstacles, step over them.

Initial training of football goalkeepers »Center of Initial Training of Football Players Dmitry Gradilenko.Football for children from 3 years old in Saratov and Penza

Each goalkeeper is a special, unique personality, to whom an individual approach is needed, because each child has his own advantages and disadvantages. To solve this problem, a training program for novice goalkeepers is starting in our “Center”. As always, the work begins with the fact that in the first lesson the goalkeeper coach conducts a series of tests, based on the results of which we prepare a full report on the readiness of the young footballer, thereby giving the coach the opportunity to analyze and prepare a plan for further work with his ward.Based on the results of this analysis, the coach begins to prepare a training plan for a particular child, taking into account his current abilities, which will benefit him exclusively.

Much in goalkeeper training depends on age. For example, in his youth, the goalkeeper can still use acrobatics, gymnastics and other elements in training, which at 22-23 years old are already difficult and at this age it is almost impossible to teach how to do it. For a young goalkeeper, one of the most important physical qualities is flexibility.You can “catch up” everything later: strength, reaction, catching technique, kicks and so on. And gymnastics after 18-19 years of age will no longer work. Also, for children in sports, a variety of workouts is of great importance. In our “Center” a professional goalkeeper coach who has experience in children’s football schools and professional football clubs will work with your child. There will be four young goalkeepers for one head coach and one assistant. Therefore, an individual and professional approach is guaranteed.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Professional goalkeeper coach
• Two coaches work with 4 novice goalkeepers
• Individual approach
• Constant reports on the readiness of a young football player to select the right exercises
  each child individually, in order to tighten
  weak and improve his strengths, and the parent
  to monitor the progress of his child)
• Workouts will be made individually for
  specific child
• Initial course of acrobatics and gymnastics
• Work on coordination and dexterity possession of the ball
• Technique of movements and the basics of the goalkeeper’s game

“Dmitry Gradilenko’s initial training center for football players” is a professional approach to your child’s career!

Football for children – benefits and contraindications

Football is one of the most popular sports in Russia.According to the latest data, more than 3 million people are employed in football clubs and sections of our country, and this is not even taking into account football fans who play in courtyards and on sports grounds.

Such popularity of this game explains the choice of many parents and children when determining the sport. Most often, boys from the age of 6 go to this sport, but there are also women’s teams, where girls also show excellent results.

In this article, we will look at the impact of football on child development, whether this game has contraindications.

Why football is useful for children

Football, like any active sport, has tremendous benefits for the health of the child. First and foremost, daily outdoor exercise significantly strengthens the immune system.

According to recent studies, children involved in sports, including football, are less susceptible to diseases such as ODS, ARI, which indicates a strong immunity.

In addition, experts note the following positive aspects of playing football for the health of schoolchildren:

Physical development .Playing football helps to strengthen muscles, form the correct posture, strengthen endurance, and increase the speed of reaction. In addition, training will help prevent excess weight, enrich the blood with oxygen and improve metabolism;

Mental development . Playing football has a positive effect on the mental development of children. They learn discipline, they can increase their self-esteem, learn to adequately perceive criticism. According to the reviews of parents and teachers, young footballers are distinguished by their determination, poise and willpower.

In general, doctors note that playing football really has a positive effect on the development of babies. With a properly compiled load schedule, children show excellent academic results, they are more adapted in society and do not experience difficulties in communicating with their peers.

More, young athletes are more enduring physically and if for some schoolchildren 5-6 lessons are difficult, it is not difficult for young football players to sit out all the classes, and then go to the evening training session.

At what age to start classes

The very first football lessons can be organized at the moment when the child has learned to walk confidently. Of course, this is not training in the section, but only a method of teaching a child to sports in the course of family entertainment. The baby can be assigned to the team no earlier than 5 years. Until this age, it is simply still difficult for a child to follow the rules and clearly obey the coach.

Enrollment in school football clubs is conducted from the first grade. But if the child has not been involved in sports before, experts advise to wait until 8-9 years of age with training.

Girls can be sent to professional football no earlier than 9-10 years old. When signing up for a section, it is compulsory to issue a child’s sports insurance. The policy is required to participate in competitions and training in organized groups.

How to choose a soccer ball for a child

To motivate a child to play football, experts advise buying him his first soccer ball. Indeed, not a single boy after such a gift will not resist and will run to play with friends.

The choice of a soccer ball should be based on the age of the child. First of all, a children’s soccer ball must be of high quality, otherwise it will break after the first game, which will ruin the impression of the gift.

Footballs differ in size and weight. To find out how to choose the size of a soccer ball for your child, use these guidelines:

• # 2 – up to 4 years old. Ball circumference up to 56 cm, weight up to 280 g;
• # 3 – up to 8 years old. Ball circumference up to 63.5 cm weight up to 360 g;
• # 4 – up to 12 years old.Circumference up to 66 cm, weight up to 440 g;
• # 5 — over 12 years old. Circumference up to 70 cm, weight up to 450 g.

Also, soccer balls are divided according to purpose and type of coverage. For younger children, it is better to choose universal training balls that are durable and durable.

Football equipment for children

In addition to the ball, the young footballer will, of course, need a special uniform. Kids’ soccer equipment includes cleats, gym shoes, shin protectors and ankle braces.

When buying a kit, keep in mind that goalkeeper’s equipment is significantly different from the kits of other players. The goalkeeper must be as protected as possible, because he falls a lot and takes all the blows.

Young Football Goalkeeper will need:

• Sweater;
• Trousers or shorts;
• Goalkeeper gloves.

Sweater, trousers can be replaced with a special overalls. All clothing should have special inserts that protect against falling.

Girls’ Football

Today, not only boys, but also girls play football. Football for girls will bring tremendous health benefits and build strong, unshakable character.

The only drawbacks of this game for girls are bruises, abrasions, broken knees and sprains, which will not beautify a girl in her teens.

Football Rules

The rules of children’s football differ slightly from the rules of the adult game.The only significant difference is that the children are prepared for the adult game gradually and systematically, carefully dosing the load.

Despite the fact that many consider football to be a traumatic sport, the rules of the game exclude serious injuries, because the players are strictly prohibited:

• Install footrests;
• Push players with the body;
• Taking the ball away from the goalkeeper;
• Beat other players.

Thanks to these rules, football can soon be classified as a safe sport for children, with significant benefits for the body.

What are the contraindications

Like any sport, football has its own contraindications. First of all, children with disorders of the musculoskeletal system and congenital heart pathologies are not admitted to the section.

Contraindications:

• Age up to 4 years old;
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• Diseases of the joints;
• Autoimmune diseases;
• Diseases of the respiratory system;
• Diseases of the blood;
• Diabetes mellitus;
• Kidney or liver disease.

If you plan to send your child to the football section, be sure to undergo a medical examination, consult your local pediatrician. If the doctor gives permission for classes, feel free to buy the baby a uniform, choose a section and give the baby the joy of sports and a healthy lifestyle.

Mikhail Kerzhakov: “The ability to read the game is perhaps the most important quality of goalkeeper”

Zenit goalkeeper – about how his life changed with the birth of a child, about military memoirs and the secrets of goalkeeper’s skill.

– Tell us how you rested.
– I spent my vacation in St. Petersburg. My son was born, so I nursed him all the time. Until the end, I have not yet realized that I have become a father, but life, of course, has changed. After training – immediately home, some household chores were added. On vacation, I also actively dealt with them, because my wife is constantly with the child.Now I can give a master class on drawing up a medical policy or collecting documents for recalculating housing and communal services.

– In American films, parents read books about parenting. Do you have something like a young father’s allowance?
– My wife is reading, I just think about it. We have books by Dr. Komarovsky at home, and something else.

– Does the child sleep at night?
– Yes, that’s okay. He’s not particularly naughty.

– For field players on vacation, the fitness coach writes an exercise plan.What program do goalkeepers get?
– The same, it is about the same for everyone. The main thing is that the muscles are in good shape and do not turn into jelly. And it’s better not to do goalkeeper work on vacation – you need to take a little rest from it.

– According to statistics, goalkeepers bring in more extra pounds from vacation than outfield players. This is true?
“I don’t know, I can’t speak for everyone. It probably depends on the structure of the body. In recent years, I’ve been coming out of vacation with a lack of weight.Apparently the muscle mass is decreasing. I get the necessary kilograms already at the training camp.

– This time the gathering was short. Was this time enough to prepare for the season?
– Hope so. We didn’t have much choice. What we had planned, we have fulfilled one hundred percent, and then we’ll see.

– What did Yuri Zhevnov add to the goalkeeper’s brigade? He has been in the coaching staff for six months.
– New exercises have appeared, training has become more dynamic.But it cannot be said that the training process has changed fundamentally.

– Did the dynamism of training make your life more difficult?
– No, on the contrary, it has become more interesting. The same exercises with glasses, in which at some point nothing becomes visible.

– How does it work?
– There are different levels. On the first, they simply flash with a certain frequency, and the flying ball disappears from your field of vision for a while. At more difficult levels, you don’t see the ball longer.Or one eye is completely closed, and the other is blinking. It develops attention, reaction.

– What did you do during the camp in your free time?
– I read Ilya Zemtsov’s book “Destined to survive”. These are the memories of a Russian soldier.

– Are you following in the footsteps of Yuri Zhirkov?
– Well, I am still far from him, although when he saw this book from me, then he also bought it. I am fond of the theme of the Great Patriotic War, but not as deeply as Yura, who collects various artifacts.I haven’t gotten to that and, in principle, I’m not going to. But I’m wondering. I read memoirs not only of Russian soldiers, but also of German ones. To understand what was going on in their heads, what kind of propaganda they had.

***

– Back to sports. In goalkeeper training, can you teach something new, or is the entire technical base laid down in childhood?
– If you didn’t plan something in childhood, you can, of course, get it, but it will be much harder. The technique should be set at a young age.

– Why do you need training now?
– We continue to improve. Plus we analyze matches, work out some game situations.

– Many top goalkeepers made mistakes last season. The same Courtois, Lloris … Is this due to the fact that you have to play with your feet a lot?
– Goalkeepers have always been wrong, are wrong and will be wrong. What is the reason for this? Probably with a psychological stress. If we talk about Courtois, he got to Real at a time when the team was rebuilding.Anyone in such a situation would be hard. Lloris made a 4: 1 mistake in the World Cup final. I think if it had been 1: 1 or 2: 1, he would not have taken such a risk. In general, Lloris, of course, is a top goalkeeper, but recently he has not been super stable.

The reasons for goalkeeping mistakes must be sought in psychology. In my memory there were goalkeepers who did some crazy things in training, they did everything perfectly. But as soon as the game – the person seemed to be replaced. Boils, runs somewhere, makes childhood mistakes.

– What separates a top goalkeeper from a good one?
– Anticipation.

– What ?!
– There is such a term. In our case, it means “reading the game”. I’ve read books on the craft of goalkeeping. In one of them, just the indicators of a good goalkeeper and a cool one were compared. So, their reaction is the same, the jump is the same. The only difference is anticipation. For the top goalkeeper, it is much higher.

– Do you agree with this statement?
– Of course.The ability to read the game is perhaps the most important quality of a goalkeeper. Mircea Lucescu told us that once his team played a test match against an opponent, at whose goal was 42-year-old Dino Zoff. So, for the whole match, he never fell. He didn’t need it. Just by reading the game and choosing the right position, he was always in the right place at the right time.

– Football has changed a lot since then. Probably, this is impossible to repeat.
– Reading the game is not only about your actions in the frame.It is also a hint to the defensive players. If you read the opponent’s play on the move forward, you can rearrange the defender and thereby prevent a dangerous moment. Let me give you an example. Two goalkeepers in one team. One has great reflexes, he drags a bunch of moments, the stands are delighted. And for some reason, another goalkeeper enters the field. There are no chances at his gate at all. People say: “He did not show himself in any way, there were no moments.” But no one thinks about the fact that this goalkeeper controls the defense in such a way that he simply prevents dangerous attacks from the opponent.Reads forward. He sees where the attacker opens up, where the pass will go and prompts the defenders in time. This is the class.

– Who do you think is the top one right now?
– I like Ter Stegen. The German goalkeeper school is more classical and similar to ours.

– How is this manifested?
– In movements, in a stance … If you take the Spanish goalkeepers, for example, they are so small, more playful, sharp. Italians have their own style.The Germans are more like us.

Marc-André Ter Stegen

– The rules of football have changed since this season. When you kick in from the goal, you don’t have to wait for it to roll out of the box to receive it. Is this good for you?
– It became easier for me to play. Zenit is a team that wants to control the ball, so we don’t want to just push it forward. Previously, the defensive player had to leave the penalty area. While the ball was rolling before him, the attacker could cover.Now the defenders have more time to make a decision.

– You explain everything so clearly. Do you want to become a coach in the future?
– Perhaps for children. At least start with that. To train professionals, you have to learn a little more. Well, then go step by step. I have little experience. When I was 19, I was asked to study with the guys at a school in Kolomyagi. I trained for two months. In principle, I liked it.

– Is it difficult with children?
– Yes, especially since I had no special authority then.Half of the guys didn’t listen to me. There were several people who were interested. There were also those who did not really need football, and you train everyone in one heap. You are trying to explain something, and someone is talking at this moment.

– Strange. They themselves decided to become goalkeepers.
– Perhaps they were the failed field players. For some reason, since childhood, I wanted to become a goalkeeper.

– In children’s companies, they often put the fattest at the gate. Isn’t it a shame for such a reputation of the goalkeeper’s position?
– No.It seems to me that the goalkeeper is a calling. A special psychological warehouse. It was a thrill for me – to jump for the ball, to lay down. You are at the last line, throwing yourself at your feet, saving your team. Someone likes to score, punish. Someone likes to save. This is probably a character trait.

– The biggest thrill is pulling out some tough punch?
– Yes. To react to a head blow from close range, to beat off a penalty.

– Akinfeev parried a penalty kick with his feet at the World Championship.Then it turned out that he knew how to hit from the point of Iago Aspas. Is it really possible not to forget the manner in which the penalty kicks are executed by different players in the heat of the struggle?
– Well, it was a post-match series. Usually, in front of her, during the break, such questions are worked out. The coaching staff will find out who will hit and share the information with you. We all have cheat sheets. I saw a photo of Jordan Pickford from some penalty shoot. He had a cheat sheet written on a water bottle.
This can work both positively and negatively.The hitters also understand that they are being watched and can change their mind. My brother said that the Sevilla goalkeeper Palop had a special person who threw information on his flash drive about who was beating. How he hits in the first half, how – when he is tired at the end of the game and does not want to take risks.

Jordan Pickford on penalties against Colombia at the 2018 World Cup

– Do goalkeepers study game situations in this way? Let’s say an opponent has a player who likes to kick with his left foot from a long distance.
– Of course, we sort it out. We have our own goalkeeper theory classes. Before the game, coaches also remind us that such and such a player has such and such qualities. For example, “this left-hander shifts to the center and pounds there.”

– Does this coincide with the reality of the match?
– Depends on the situation. Sometimes it happens that his trademark blow into the far corner did not work out, he poked into the near corner, and the goalkeeper did not expect this anymore. The main thing for the goalkeeper is to take his balls.This is when you take the ball, which you must take. As Mikhail Yuryevich Biryukov says, “a simple ball will not bring glory, but if you miss it, you will not be disgraced”.

– You have extended your contract with Zenit. What are the goals for the new season?
– Fight for post number one.

Semyon Pavlovich Belitz-Gaiman – “Tennis for Parents and Children”

The jumps of a tennis player are usually preceded by various options for runs, and some
jumps are performed actually from the spot or after two or three preparatory
steps that can not be called a running start.So, for example, the jump can be done
at the end of a normal run along the back line for a difficult ball, as well as completing
trying to deflect a deep candle at the end of a very fast backward run
cross step, sideways forward.

When jumping, carefully control the landing characteristics.
We will confirm their significance by a game episode, which often occurs during
competition … A ball hit by a net in a fast-paced goalkeeper jump in
side, it seems, deserves the greatest praise.But alas, despite
efforts, “kill” him still fails. The opponent immediately strikes again
the other side is easily stroked. And the netter who landed too hard
can not hold back after the jump further movement to the side and as a result
turns out to be completely knocked out of the court. No wonder that to the next answer he
completely unprepared, although the opponent’s second strike is quite simple.

Land softly, springy, in the “alert” position for the next
jump or fast running start – this is one of the important requirements for
performance by a tennis player of jumping, including “goalkeeper” exercises.

Here is the main group of these exercises recommended for tennis players (than before
they will assimilate them, the better):

serial jumps upward, pushing off with two or one foot from the usual
starting positions of a tennis player, as well as from a medium and deep squat;

“multi-hops” (serial jumps at short distances) on one leg, pushing
alternately with one or the other leg, simultaneously with both legs;

jumping to the sides and up in the maximum extended position of the whole body from a place,
from short and varied runs, at the same time imitating blows from the right, left
and overhead;

“jumping” to an elevation from a place and from a run;

jumping from side to side and back and forth over small hills;

jumps from hills with a soft, springy landing and immediate
jump, starting jerk;

jumping on a trampoline;

goalkeeper jumps with elements of acrobatics;

jumps with a soft fall on hands and a fast take-off;

Exercises like “squatting dance”, jumping with a spinning wheel.

“Goalkeeper game” should become one of the main exercises of a young tennis player. To her
you need to prepare well. First of all, learn to jump in the extended
position, as well as soft falls. Please note: if the child has a fear of falls, then
he usually avoids distant jumps. To prevent this, place in
“goal” soft gymnastic mats or do goalkeeper exercises on
soft sand or grass. Use as jump guides first
hanging tennis balls, which are in advance with the help of, for example, stanchions
positioned in extreme positions from the “goalkeeper”.During a distant jump
a tennis player must reach the ball at all costs, and it is best to hit
on it with your hand. On soft mats, also master traditional acrobatic
exercises – somersaults, flips in different directions, forward and backward somersaults.
Exercises such as long side jumps with beating are good for a tennis player.
ball with a racket, ending in a soft, springy fall with a flip and
jumping up quickly.

90,000 METHODS FOR TRAINING YOUNG GOALTENDERS

PROCEDURE
JUNIOR GOALTENDER TRAINING

Specialized training
goalkeepers must start at age 7.

The main task of a trainer is to find
a child with goalkeeper inclinations and reveal them within the framework of a holistic system
preparation. The importance of the system lies in the coordination of the development of psychophysical
qualities and technical, tactical skills so that they develop without
contradictions, in a natural way. The trainer’s task is to use exercises that
stimulating and enriching natural qualities.

Extension of the range of motion
should be carried out through a variety of training exercises.

Goalkeeper training is conducted
1-2 times a week, on the rest of the training days they train in the mode
fielder. Young goalkeepers must play both in the field and at the goal.

His participation in the role of a field player
will also contribute to a better understanding of the game as a whole.

The main means of training young
goalkeepers should be playing. It is they who are more conducive to development
ingenuity, require concentration and attention, the development of dexterity,
diversify the range of movements, sometimes without even special terminology.

Ball Reception Technique and Technique
kick-off

An important role in the technique of receiving the ball
plays body position. It must be such that the goalkeeper can see the ball throughout
flight path: from the kicker’s foot to touching the ball with his
hands. This can be done if the chest and head are always turned in
the kicker’s side and eyes are directed towards the ball.

Goalkeeper stand –
this is a complex technique on which the goalkeeper’s subsequent actions depend
in a game episode.

Young goalkeepers must master three
rack type:

First rack type –
basic, upon acceptance of which the goalkeeper makes a “swoop”. It depends on
the distances between the ball, the goalkeeper and the goal. Feet should be hip-width apart.
Hands next to the body, spread apart and directed towards the ball. The center of gravity
above or in front of your feet. Joint angles depend on position in space and
ball speed.The eyes are directed towards the ball.

Second rack view –
“Mobile” when the ball is far from the goalkeeper. One leg is extended forward.
In this position, the goalkeeper is ready to move quickly forward. Often
used by goalkeepers when playing at the exit.

The third original post is performed
when the goalkeeper plays one to one. This stance is as low as possible.
The goal of the goalkeeper in this position is to get as close to the ball as possible.Bottom ball
the hardest to master. Stance depends on the speed and strength of the muscles in the legs and back. A
the effectiveness of this work depends on how accurately the goalkeeper feels
and understands the game as a whole and a specific mini-episode.

Catching the ball . Chief in
this technique is to hold the caught ball. Always catch the ball
“Tightly”. To do this, you need to extinguish the speed of the ball. The goalkeeper must do
movement towards the ball with the body, arms, hands. The meeting with the ball must
fall on the softer parts of the body (fingertips).Hands are placed along
body so that the ball does not slip between the hands and the body. The torso is involved in fishing
ball, making a shock-absorbing motion.

The technique of receiving the ball on impact. First
contact with the ball – touching it with your fingers, hands move forward and is performed
shock-absorbing movement of the body and legs, which should be bent in
the initial phase of admission and direct in the final phase. The body should be positioned so
so that it insures the hands in case the ball hits the hands.Necessary
ensure that the arms and legs are in line with the flight of the ball and
body movements were adjusted to the ball.

Technique for receiving low-flying balls. Ball
with a tangential movement, successively passes along the palms (while “extinguished”
its speed) and forearms. Then it is fixed to the “basket”. Elbows
pressed to the body so that the ball does not slip. The eyes are always directed towards the ball.
It is important that before meeting the ball, the arms are extended as far forward as possible.
and were located directly in front of the body, and not to the side (the body insures the reception of the ball).

Ball reception technique: a)
flying into the stomach; b) after the ball bounces off the lawn. By implementation – this is more
complex technique. The goalkeeper should ideally aim to catch the ball without
rebound, but he does not always succeed. Considering also the possible unevenness of the surface
fields, the rebound can be generally unpredictable. The fishing principle is the same as for
catching low-flying balls, only the body is tilted forward even more,
as if “covering” the ball.Correct body position is doubly important. Important
determine the correct bounce angle.

Top ball technique .
The difficulty with this technique is that the body cannot insure the ball. All
the load falls on the hands. Contact with the ball occurs with the pads of the fingers – “on
nose “, while the eyes are always directed to the ball. By bending the arms, movement
the ball is extinguished, then the ball is fixed in the “basket”.

Focus on work: hands are essential
serve forward towards the ball; strive to master the shock-absorbing movement
hands.

Falling technique .
This technique is used when it is not possible to draw one line – “ball – body”.
In this case, separation from the lawn does not occur. Fall is understood loosely
controlled movement, the main task of which is the mastery of the ball.

Reception begins with a movement of the hand in
the direction of the ball. The repulsion is carried out by the leg farthest from the flight of the ball.
Contact with the lawn occurs alternately: with the foot of the leg bent at the knee,
then the lower leg, thigh, pelvis, on the side.The position of the elbow is very important,
which is always placed in front of the body. Landing should be clear on
side, without falling either on the stomach or on the back, while the ball is transferred to
“Basket”.

Focus on work: technology
train with special exercises, use exercises to relieve fear
before the fall, exercises to develop the strength of the upper shoulder girdle and
torso.

Punches (interception strike). Apply
when there is no way to get hold of the ball.Used when there is a large crowd of players
when playing at the exits, in adverse weather conditions.

Punching can be done with one or two fists.
A two-fist shot is taken when the ball is directly in front of the goalkeeper, in
in other cases – a blow with one fist.

The main thing is to send as far as possible
ball from the danger zone. The movement is performed not from bottom to top, under the ball, but along
diagonal path.

First jump and then
short movement of the hand (s).The contact of the fist with the ball should
occur at the top of the jump and exactly but the center of the ball.

Focus on work: use
special exercises for the development of punching, jumping, development
with an eye.

Putting the ball into play .
This is one of the important functions of the goalkeeper when he gains possession of the ball. Its task is
correctly and quickly organize or resume the game. This is important for the goalkeeper and
teams. You need to devote much more time to learning how to put the ball into the game – this is
an essential element of the modern goalkeeper’s game.Usually goalkeepers practice ball throwing
play at the end of the lesson when fatigue is expressed. But this exercise requires
high energy, therefore it should be performed in the first half of the workout either
during the whole lesson.

The following input methods exist
ball into the game.

Hand strike .
When struck from the hand, the ball flies a long distance. Very good to use when
playing in the wind. The downside is that the opponent during the flight of the ball can
rebuild.The blow is applied until the ball touches the ground, after being thrown from the hands.
The principles of a strike from the hand correspond to the principles of a strike from a half-flight. Direction and
the position of the pivot foot, the moment and point of impact on the ball are all factors
determine the trajectory of the ball.

Ground Impact .
Performed after the goalkeeper has received the pass from his partner. Hit
produce “cheek” or lift. It is important that the transfer is completed
timely and on the leading foot, and the goalkeeper had several addressees to enter
ball

Goal kick .The ball must be placed in the center slide, which will provide it
stability. A short, slightly curved run is sufficient to hit the ball.
For a long-range shot – the goalkeeper hits with a lift, for a short one – with his “cheek”.

Hand throws .
This technique is much more accurate than kicking. To achieve more
accuracy when throwing the ball is better to use hand throws.

Low hand throws (rolling )
used for short transmissions over the ground.The transmission is accurate and easy
process. Can only be used when there is a pet between goalkeeper and partner.
enemy – this is his defect. When throwing, the hand is pulled back, right
bend, direct towards the partner, accompanying the ball as far and below as possible
to the ground.

90,000 Sports in your yard. Selecting goalkeepers in the soccer sports school

The specialized training of soccer goalkeepers should start at the age of 7. From this age, several periods can be distinguished in which the content of coaching work with young goalkeepers changes: from 7 to 9 years old; from 10 to 12 years old; from 13 to 15 years old and from 16 to 19 years old.

At each of these periods, you need to work on the development of thinking, especially spatial and operational, coordination and speed-strength qualities, the technique of goalkeeper actions, discipline and organization, strong-willed character, stress resistance and self-regulation skills. The main task of the coach is to find a child with a goalkeeper’s inclinations and reveal them within the framework of a holistic training system. The importance of the system consists in coordinating the development of psychophysical qualities and technical, tactical skills so that they develop without contradictions in a natural way.The trainer’s task is to use exercises that stimulate and enrich the natural qualities.

Criteria for the selection of goalkeepers:

1. The first and foremost selection criterion is the child’s desire to become a goalkeeper. Anthropometric data are also important, but they are not determinative.
2. The second criterion is the ability of the future goalkeeper to play (football and other games). During the selection, the coach of the goalkeepers, in close contact with the coach of the group, conducts a goalkeeper training with the guys who want to be goalkeepers.The basic setting for everyone at first is “The best plays at the goal!” raises the goalkeeper’s status. Goalkeeper trainings are held 1–2 times a week, on the rest of the training days they train as a field player. Young goalkeepers must play both in the field and at the goal. Usually in the field, a real goalkeeper is drawn to attack. Therefore, the coach should pay attention to the players playing in the attack, in most cases the potential goalkeeper is inclined to attack. At the outset, the goalkeeper must be one of the best outfield players and have leadership qualities.His participation in the role of a field player will also contribute to a better understanding of the game as a whole. In addition, as outfield players, goalkeepers master accurate foot passes as well as other forms of kicking. Overemphasis on catching the ball reduces motor capacity, one of the main reasons for this is early goal-only training. In such training, motor skills are also developed, but the range of motion is less than that of a field player. And the task of training at the initial stage is to master the greatest possible range of motional actions and, on the basis of them, to develop special abilities, skills and qualities.
3. The third criterion is attention. The attention of a small goalkeeper is unstable and unproductive, it quickly dissipates due to rapid fatigue. He cannot play for a long time at the goal; to relieve tension, he needs relaxation in the form of a game in the field. The coach should be aware that as soon as the goalkeeper begins to make unreasonable mistakes – this is a sign that his attention has weakened. You can return the previous concentration by using active pauses with interesting tasks.
4. As other criteria, you can use indicators of special dexterity, thinking, anthropometric data plus the forecast of growth relative to parents, the speed of mastering motor skills and their stability in time, physical qualities.The initial screening in order to identify the dynamics of the development of goalkeepers and to increase interest should last 2 years.

Long-term observations and practical experience show that selection should be based not on acquired, but congenital, primarily psychophysiological inclinations of the child, i.