Goalkeeper Catching Drills

A solid pre game or training warm up is vital for a goalkeepers preparation for the game/practice that is to follow. Warm ups should not only include jogging and stretching. We have to warm up the entire body, including the mind. Keeperstop decided to showcase the best 3 handling warm up drills a soccer goalkeeper can do. The 3 step progression keeps the goalkeepers mind and body engaged, ensuring that the young GK will be ready to either play or train.  For parents and goalkeeper coaches, we have segmented our training session in 3 easy to follow progressions. These soccer goalie exercises require little equipment and can be replicated in a small area of grass or turf. Whilst the goalkeeper is working on handling, the server should be working on their distribution. Emphasize quality over quantity so that each goalkeeper is receiving good service to work on their handling technique. 3 progressions of the best handling warm up exercises for soccer goalkeepers: Mini Ball Alternating Hands - Use a small square (4 cones) and mini soccer balls (size 1). Vary the service high and low, so that the keeper needs to use footwork to get to the ball. The GK should keep their eyes on the mini ball using their hand eye coordination to complete the catch. Short, sharp movements focusing on quality! Diamond Catch from the knees - Using the same square (4 cones) now we move to size 5 soccer balls. The ball is struck from the ground at speed. The goalkeeper keeps their core engaged and hands in a neutral position. As the shot is taken, the keeper should focus on a "W" or Diamond catch. The service can be varied, but should stay below shoulder height. The keeper should focus on reacting to the service, rather than guessing where the ball is going to go.  Box Drill with 4 cones - Using 4 different colored cones, set up the same 4x4 square you have used for the previous 2 exercises. This time, the keeper is working from their feet. They listed to the color instruction (from the server) and using good quality footwork (drop step, side shuffle) to touch a colored cone. Once the cone is touched, the server can strike the ball at any time. The service can be low to medium range height. The goalkeeper needs to keep their eyes on the soccer ball, so they can get set as the shot is taken. Even if not back in the center of the square, the goalkeeper should get set and react to the service. This drill also requires the goalkeeper to stay mentally engaged throughout. These are 3 very effective handling warm up exercises for goalkeepers of all ages. You can increase the speed and power of the service for the more advanced goalkeepers that you train. The training was conducted by Christian Benjamin (Keeperstop.com owner) with goalkeepers aged between 15-18 years of age. Contact the goalkeeper experts with any questions 860.904.7679  

To develop a solid foundation in goalkeeping a youth goalkeeper must become familiar with the ball and controlling their body.  Keeperstop.com designed a series of goalkeeper handling drills for a developing junior goalkeeper.  The at home goalie training starts with simple athletic movements to establish a baseline in coordination and a connection with the ball. It progresses to partner goalkeeper drills that could be executed with another goalkeeper, parent, or sibling. The drills where conducted with a 9 year old goalkeeper in their yard.  We didn’t train the goalkeeper before hand in these movements to show how difficult they are. Important thing in youth goalkeeper training is to have fun and challenge the goalie. Here are some of the progressions we cover in the video:  Skipping with ball and rotation. Goalkeeper handing – stretching and rhythm.  Ball Drop – Single and Double - Ready position with reaction.  Don’t cheat. One ball to begin then to two balls. Step gets body to and behind the ball.  Step in the direction of the ball. Tennis balls – Tennis balls are great goalkeeper training equipment for youth to professionals.  They are exciting to work with and challenging.  The focus is on hand eye coordination and concentrations. Services can be low ball and high ball.  Same side and opposite hand for high ball. This is a fun and easy session that a partent or relative can conduct with a youth soccer goalie. This beginner level training does not require a lot of equipment and you only need a small outdoor space. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments.   

Here, Christian Benjamin goes through a series of progressions in footwork and handling with a high school goalkeeper. The progressions are simple to follow and will ensure your goalkeeper improves their footwork, handling, concentration and overall game.Click here for the YouTube video! Here are the main focus points of the session:   Proper balanced goalkeeper ready position Slightly bent from the knees and back to load muscles Hands relaxed and slightly in front to create a connection between eyes and hands Feet get body and hands to the ball. Step behind the ball protect head and hands forward. Inside Leg is the elevator: Low ball bend from the knees to get body behind and over the ball. Don’t just bend over at the hips Once movement is introduced goalkeeper has to be ready and balanced prior to service.  No movement.  Loaded and ready! Encourage cross over steps with longer distance and shuffle for shorter distance and to preparation steps. All movement is done in an athletic position to be close to the ready position in the event of an early shot. In other words don’t stand all the way up to move.  More like sprinters posture off the starting line. Better to be slightly out of position and ready than in position and still moving.  Balance helps the goalkeeper react high, low, left, and right. If a goalkeeper is moving the goalkeeper is favoring a direction and will not be able to stop their momentum to change direction.  

Here we have a training video of Paul Rogers training the USWNT goalkeepers in Foxborough, MA. The session focuses in on handling and footwork. We love the simplicity of these drills with the end goal being fast efficient footwork to get your body in a position to make the save as easy as possible. The concentration and attention to detail from the 3 goalkeepers is something that all young goalkeepers should take note of. It is important that you train the way you play. Click Here for the YouTube Video of the session! Performance Goalkeeping”, directed by US National Team Goalkeeper Coach Paul Rogers 

Catherine Gordon from Net Edge Training in New Jersey produced a goalkeeper handling video that any goalkeeper can do.  I bet if you ask any professional goalkeeper I bet they will tell you they learned or reinforced handling by kicking the ball against the wall at some point in their development.  Many goalkeepers complain they dont have a server.  With a wall you can work on every type of handling and receive quality services. YouTube Video Link About Net Edge Training:   Since 1999 Net Edge have been the leader in Goalkeeper training. A tradition that carries on today; they are first and foremost a company for and about Goalkeepers. Net Edge trainers are certified goalkeeper trainers with years of playing and coaching experience at the collegiate and professional level. Come join our team of accomplished goalkeepers! For information on goalkeeper training and clinics visit Net Edge Training.