5 Easy Drills for Goalkeepers

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Goalkeeping is one of the toughest positions on the soccer field, so those who want to play the position will have to put a lot of work in to master it. The good news is that there are some basic drills that you can go through to prepare for what you’ll face in game situations.

Below you will find five basic drills that will help you with your goalkeeping technique. Some of these drills are done with two people, but more “shooters” can be added to make them a little bit tougher. These drills should help goalkeepers become more composed players between the sticks.

Goalkeeper Drill #1 – Basic Footwork Drill

Easily the most underrated part of goalkeeping is footwork. The very best goalkeepers in the world can move instinctively all over their box to always be in position for different shots and passes that come their way.

This drill requires the goalkeeper and a partner.

1. Place four cones in either in a box or rectangle pattern. You should be in the middle of the cones and your partner will stand outside of them.
2. Have your partner call out a cone number when he or she wants you to go.
3. Run to the cone, touch it, and get back to your starting position.
4. Repeat this drill 10 or more times. You can move the cones around in different shapes to create more of a challenge.

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Goalkeeper Drill #2 – Diving Drill

Diving saves are some of the best-looking plays in soccer and, more importantly, can give your team the momentum it needs to win the game. This drill is excellent both for diving practice and for developing your agility. It’s also a very simple drill, so anyone who wants to practice being a goalkeeper can do it.

The diving drill requires the goalkeeper and a partner.

1. Stand in the ready position about five yards away from your partner.
2. Your partner should throw the ball underhand to either your left or right.
3. Dive to catch the ball, cradle it in, and then throw it back to your partner.
4. Quickly bounce back up and get ready for the next throw.
5. This drill should be done about 20 times. As you get used to the drill, your partner can speed it up so he is throwing it just as soon as he receives the ball.

Goalkeeper Drill #3 – Sliding Save Drill

The key to this drill is getting down to the ground to grab and protect the ball. There are many in-game situations where the best option is to slide down and hold on to the ball, so this is a simple yet excellent drill to get used to prepare for those situations.

This drill can be done with a partner rolling the ball, but this version is a solo drill.

1. Put the ball about a foot outside of one of the goal posts and stand in the middle of your goal.
2. Once you are in position, quickly shuffle a few steps and dart towards the ball.
3. Once you are a few feet away, slide down, cradle the ball and pull it into your body.
4. Repeat this drill 10 or more times on both sides of the goal. You can also practice it with the ball closer or further away from you.

You can use smaller soccer balls in this drill to make it a bit tougher.

Goalkeeper Drill #4 – Seated Save Drill

Similar to the Sliding Save drill, the Seated Save drill will teach goalies to have quick reactions from a seated position. Every goalkeeper will find themselves in these situations in real games, so this drill will help them to stay composed when those times come.

This drill requires the goalkeeper and a partner.

1. Get in a seated position in front of the goal.
2. Have your partner roll, throw or kick the ball on each side of you so you can catch it and cradle into your body.
3. Repeat this drill 20 or more times.

Goalkeeper Drill #5 – Turn-and-Save Drill

This is a basic handling drill for goalkeepers. It will teach you to have quick reactions and good hands in game situations. Having confidence in catching the ball (or cushioning is down) will help you to stay focused as the attack is coming toward you.

This drill requires the goalkeeper and a partner.

1. Stand facing your goal in the ready position and have your partner stand between 10 and 15 yards away from you.
2. Your partner should yell “go” when he is about to throw the ball toward he goal. He should throw it close to you, but at different heights.
3. Quickly turn around to see where the ball is going and catch it.
4. Repeat this drill 20 or more times.

Continue reading 7 ways to Improve your Finish. 

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