Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Goalkeeper basics

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Goal-keeper - basic skills & co-ordination session

The session will mostly consist of basic movements and handling exercises to ensure correct form of footwork & body-shape with use of ball(s) to test handling and co-ordination.

Set-up

Two lines of adjacent flats, 15-20m long & around 2m apart.

The session will consist of basic movements, if 3 keepers, alternate with one resting as the movements can be quite physically demanding..

1) 2 goalies stood opposite & facing each other (one on each line) in typical set position. Then, moving together, side-step to the other end of the line and back.

coaching points - ensure correct body posture (knees bent, toes pointing forward, shoulders in line and maintaining eye contact between both keepers

Progression - repeat same movement but with continually throwing a ball to/from each other. focus on basic throwing & catching. Carry out with following types of exchanges - coaching the form & execution of each:

mid-height throws

rolling balls

overhead catches (once proficient then add in a 3rd keeper (or coach) in the middle

Mini-drop kicks

Two balls (one throw high, the other throw low) - may need to do this stationary intially to get the rhythm

Game - two mini-soccer goals facing each other just under 10m apart. Goalkeeper get alternate throws or drop kicks to score againts the other goalkeeper. Once a keeper has conceded a third goalie takes his place, until another concedes for them to swap with.

coaching points - basic reaction speed along with footwork, throwing & catching speed and then decision made as to choice of save