Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Goalkeeping (Diving/Movement)

Exercise (2)

Organisation

• 4 cones (2 cones 8-12 feet apart acting as goals/dependant on skill level)
• 2 working GKs
• 2 servers (Red)
• 10 balls (5 each)

Key Factors

• Both Goalkeepers will have a six-yard goal on either side of the six yard box. (bigger if required) 
• Both goalkeepers will move across to the cone in the middle of the 6-yard box (1) then will change direction to perform a low diving save (2).
• The purpose of this exercise is for the goalkeepers to move across the goal line whilst remaining facing towards the ball, working on the ability on changing direction to prepare themselves and to perform a low diving save. 
• After performing five saves both goalkeepers will swap goals to perform 5 more reps, working on diving in the opposite direction. 

Mechanics

• Use of good footwork to get into position to dive 
• Small shuffle steps, or occasionally even a quick cross-step, need to be used to get the body into the proper range to make the dive.
• The first step going into a dive should be sideways towards the ball and forward at roughly a 30-degree angle. This gives the keeper the proper angle to deflect balls away from goal.
• Get low and shoot out towards the ball 
• Drive with the near leg, starting low to generate power, this should come as a natural progression after the step forward at the angle.
• Stay square while diving and after landing on the ground. 
• Even while in mid-air, the keeper's body should be square to the ball, this gives them the best catching position, gets the largest part of their body behind the ball, and will have them land on their hip and side which is the safest landing position.
• Make a decision on whether to catch the ball or to parry depending on the speed and power of the ball, then cushion the fall. When catching, using the preferred hand positioning to catch the ball, firmly hold on to it whilst making sure to land on the side of your body to make it less painful. Once landed, bring the ball into the body to ensure that the ball doesn’t get spilled back into the field of play.

• In between the two drills, allowing for viewing of both, this way can interact and discuss/encourage as the drill progresses.

• Speed up the delivery of the balls
• Make the distance between cones longer
• More balls for more delivery

• Slow the delivery down
• Make distance shorter

End Game

Organisation

• 18yd box
• 1 full-size goal
• 2 serves on each side of the ‘D’
• 10 balls
• 2 cones on each corner of the ‘D’
• 2 mannequins on the 6yd box, 1 yard off centre in each direction
• 2 working GKs
• Small Hurdle

Key Factors

• To begin the exercise each GK will begin in each half of the goal, one slightly forward than the other to avoid collision. 
• They will then use their footwork along with a small leap to travel across the goal and over the hurdle (1). 
• The trigger for the strikers is to shoot when both feet of the GK, has crossed the hurdle. 
• Then the GK will face a shot (2) preferably in the corner having their sight slightly obstructed by the mannequin. 
• They will perform this exercise for 5 reps each. 

Progression 

• Creating a competitive edge, each goalkeeper receives a point for a parry, and 2 points for a catch but will lose a point if a goal is scored. 

Mechanics

• The purpose of this exercise is to get the goalkeepers using what they have learnt previously. 
• Use of rapid precise footwork movements to reach across the goal, then make a reaction save after sight obstruction.