Goalkeeper Training – The Forgotten Man? (Part 2)
During Part 1 we looked at warm ups & handling along with agility & goal line sessions. In grassroots football the goalkeeper is generally the forgotten man. Simply the training they receive is in group format or via a shooting drill. Obviously at this level resources are limited but to find someone to do a little work is better than forgetting about one of the most important people on the pitch. Below I will share a copy of my session plan notes specifically for our keepers. This is the second of a 3 part series so please check back soon for part 3!
We will focus on reflex sessions along with pressure saves & crossing during part 2.
Reflex Sessions
The following sessions should be operated in sets of 10. Although please adapt to suit the age & fitness of goalkeeper.
1. X1 throws ball through on looking goalkeepers legs, goalkeeper then turns & X2 immediately shoots.
2. X passes to right, goalkeeper dives to save & rolls back. Same process but to the left.
3. Develop previous session by passing to either side. Coaching points will include not diving too early, sharp, adjust & try not to come forward.
4. Goalkeeper operates on knees in mini goals. S1 throws to X1 who volley's to alternative sides for goalkeeper to save & knock out. Same process but from S2, firm throws, react to re-bounds. Develop with goalkeeper on feet, use whole goal.
5. Goalkeeper touching near post & looking at S1, then reacts to shot from X1.
6. Goalkeeper is arms length from near post, on call quick feet, spring & dive to stop throw from server scoring. Develop to working on both sides of goal.
Develop again, after save goalkeeper is flat on ground on belly & reacts on call to save in other corner. Coaching points include spring & power.
7. Server throws to top corner, goalkeeper leaps to save.
Pressure Saves & Crosses
1. S1 shoots, goalkeeper saves, moves to other goal, sets & saves from S2 then sets & saves from S3 in other goal. Coaching points include footwork, position, relax & save.
2. S1 throws to S2 who shoots against GK1 or GK2. Coaching points include alertness, reaction & cover re-bounds.
Late Reaction Saves.
1. Goalkeeper looks the other way & on command turns & saves. Serve from penalty spot to 18 yard line. Coaching points include goalkeeper to be on toes, sight of ball, attack it & save it.
Crosses.
1. S1 throws ball into X1, X2 & X3 who all put pressure on the goalkeeper. Object of the game is for the goalkeeper to collect cross or punch clear out of danger zone. Coaching points include the goalkeeper being slightly off line (2-3 yards), face the ball, correct timing, catch ball at highest point, be decisive & positive in attacking the ball, call loud & early if goalkeeper is coming for the ball, if not shout away - defenders need to know, communicate, be confident & positive.
Every club should allocate some time & personnel to work with the goalkeepers. Whether that be to bring the goalkeeper in early of have a keeper group night it is essential that the last man in defense is not forgotten about. Join us next month for part 3.
