Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Handling

Exercise 1 (10 mins)

Set Up:

Groups of 4. Goalkeeper starts at Server 1 who throws the ball at head/chest height, so the goalkeeper can make a 'W' catch. Once save has been made the goalkeeper returns ball to same server and adjusts body to recieve the ball from 2 and 3. Goalkeeper completes 3 repititions of exercise to make 9 catches in quick succession.

Coaching Points:

Body in set/ready positions

Weight forward

W Catch - Cushion ball into hands

Elbows tucked in close to body, hands in front of the body

Hands move together to the ball and make save in front of body

Body behind the ball

Reset body position after each save

Strong underarm through to return ball to server

Server points - Timing/quality of the serve is important. Exercise should be quick and sharp. Older or higher level players can volley/half volley the ball into the goalkeper for more of a challenge.

Exercise 3 (15 mins)

Set Up:

Server 1 volleys/throws the ball into the goalkeeper to make the save. Goalkeeper discards ball and then quickly moves to cover the angle of the passer (P). P then plays the ball to serve 2 who takes a quick first time shot for a reaction save from the goalkeeper.

Progression - 1st shot becomes a shot from the ground

Coaching Points:

Body behind the ball

Move feet to cover angles

Set position to react quickly to the ball

body weight going forward away from the goal

Exercise 5 (10 mins)

Set up

Goalkeepers are divided into 2 teams. 1 goalkeeper is in each goal at a time. If the opposing goalkeeper saves the ball they then shoot. If the opposing goalkeeper concedes then a new goalkeeper takes their place. Have spare balls by the side of the goal in case the shot misses the target.

First team to score 10 goals wins.

Coaching points

Positioning within the goal

Decision making in type of save

Body behind the ball when making a save

Recover quickly into the goal after shooting or trying to score

Reinforce handling technique