Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 'Goalkeeping MNF: W, Cup and Scoop Technique

Layout

GK U12's,13's & 14's total = 6 GK's.

A square of 10x10 to be set up at one end of the pitch.

This is to be used as a warm up area.

Down the other end of the pitch 2 ladders with small goals (gates) at the end.

Main Practice

Organisation

2 x set of of :

perpendicular ladders (1 across & one forward) ... with an end gate as a reference for goals - As seen in the diagram.

Group of 6 to be set split into 2 groups of 3, 1 group on each ladder.

Working for 20 minutes

The Practice

One player serving, 1 working & one resting, rotation after each one as seen in the diagram.

GK is to move through the ladders, using a variety of footwork techniques (learnt previously) before arriving at the gate & receiving a volley from the Server.

Working in blocks of 5 minutes with 90 seconds breaks:

Block 1 = Volley to the nose to work on 'W' technique.

Block 2 = Volley to the mid range ( Belly Button ) to work on 'Cup' technique

Block 3 = Volley at ankles to work on 'scoop' technique.

Interventions

Use Terminal feedback in between blocks & potentially use this time to use a Q&A approach for players to show prior understanding of the next technique.

Throughout the blocks, use concurrent interventions as well as the coaching process to rectify key (& reapeated) mistakes. Ensuring to layer the mechanics throughout.

Mechanics

Block 1 - 'W':

Eyes fixed on the ball

Thumbs together, however not too close to prevent 'bounce out'

W shape of thumbs and forefingers

Rest of fingers spread to surround the ball

Elbows bent slightly to act as suspension

Weight forwards

Block 2 - 'Cup':

Little fingers together

Palm of hands facing out, must catch in hands first

Fingers spread apart to surround the football

Body shape arched over ball slightly to help cup the football in to the body

Weight forwards

Block 3 - 'Scoop':

Move into the line of the ball

Get sideways to the ball and kneel, creating a barrier with no gap between your knee and heel

Both legs to be making a wall against the ball, no heel should be pointing towards goal

Keeping your eye on the ball

Little fingers together

Palms showing towards the ball

Fingers spread to surround the ball

Weight forwards

Dealing with a particularly fierce shot/cross, goalkeeper as they catch the ball, may also fall forwards onto it