In this session the focus is on working back to goal, getting a good angle and set position close (1-2 yards) to the line to get as much reaction time as possible. Often, this is an under appreciated skill that goalkeepers use more often than we might think. With good training, goalkeepers can remain composed and coordinated while recovering to the best possible shot stopping range off the line. This can incorporate backpedaling and sometimes a quick half-turn crossover before squaring up for the shot. If not able to catch the shot, forcing ball into safe area. We will use the term “through the six” which means parrying the ball through the side of the six towards the corner flag if not directly out for a corner rather than out in front. Whereas, the goal conceded, the goalkeeper was near the top of the six and used wrist and palm to make the save sending it into the oncoming forward’s path. It is possible with a set position closer to the goal line, Moya may have been able to catch or at the very least, control his parry to a safer area.

Working Back to Goal

1.

Setup:

• 4-yard cone gate.
• Server roughly 6-8 yards away from gate.
• GK starts halfway between gate and server.

Instructions:

1st Set:

1. 1. Server tosses ball to GK for laces volley return 2x in quick succession.
   2. Once GK has returned second serve, quickly uses backwards footwork to set just in front of the line.
   3. Server volley to hands.

Set 2– Some kind of 2-touch skill work (chest-volley, thigh-volley, 2 touch with feet) back to server hands. GK backwards footwork for server drop kick or bouncing volley.

Set 3– 2x one-touch pass. GK backwards footwork for low or mid height ball from server kicked from ground.

Use skill work appropriate for level and replace with passing or simple handling to initiate movement (i.e.. volley/GK backwards footwork/Volley)

Coaching Points:

• Skill with feet.
• Balance and body coordination in backwards movement.
• Gaging distance moving backwards, possibly using quick look to cone.
• Head level and correct hand position moving backwards into set position.

2.

Setup:

Set up as shown. One server central roughly at the penalty spot. Two more servers in line with red cones roughly ten yards from goal. GK starts centrally 4-6 yards off the goal line. Distances will be relative to age and ability.

Instructions:

1. Server Volley/GK hand return.
2. GK backwards footwork/sets on second servers movement to ball for low shot in between cone and post for GK save. Adjust timing of shooter as necessary to get a feel for exercise. GK repeats opposite. 4-6 reps is a set.

Variations:

1. GK backwards footwork straight back.
2. GK Diagonal (half-turn crossover) & Backwards footwork towards saving side.
3. GK starts backwards footwork in opposite direction of save and changes directions on server movement or call/hand signal from coach.
4. Possible diving save from 1st serve. GK quickly up to feet/backwards adjustment for 2nd save.
5. Bouncing volleys/throws or mid to high shots from 2nd shooter.
6. After 1st serve GK backwards footwork towards goal line. Call name of shooter. Fake movements by non-shooter.

Coaching Points:

• Body Shape (Head/Hand/Feet) position for 1st server.
• Quick, balanced backwards movement by GK in preparation for second serve. If using diagonal/back crossover, GK squaring up enough for appropriate saving technique.
• Timing of set in preparation for save.
• Decisiveness by GK to catch, parry, box (typically only for shots in air).
• If parrying, forcing into safe zone through the side of the six yard box below the cones.

3.

Setup:

Set up as shown. Spacing and distances should be varied based on age and ability. Note: Two Balls are placed outside of the height of 6-yard box between post and corner of 6 yard box (both sides). The higher the ball is placed the more physically challenging. If you are lacking the number of players/goalkeepers, do one side at a time or put small goals at corner of penalty area to collect pass using variation #2 below.

Instructions:

GK will initiate each rep. Allow GK to catch a breath between reps to maintain quality. 1. GK will start at cone A, run forward to pass through gate to receiver. 2. Receiver will control and pass to attacker. 3. Attacker will control and dribble towards one of three areas around/between 2 nearest mannequins. As ball is played from receiver to attacker GK recovers to goal line to set for shot. One set equals six total reps: Two right- A/two central-B (pass one in each direction)/two left- C. GK starts centrally at 6 yard box for B reps. Added variations to increase difficulty: 1. Receiver can become attacker to freeze GK before playing attacker. 2. Each attacker has a ball and once Receiver has received GK pass (or small goals), attacker immediately begins dribble towards mannequins for shot.

Coaching Points:

Quality of pass. Coordination, body orientation moving backwards. Correct angle & distance off the goal line. Using quick glances at landmarks to help with positioning. Head, hand, and feet position into the timing of set. Choice of saving technique. Catch, parry, or fist away through the six.

4.

Setup:

Set up as shown. Note: A back 4 of mannequins 19-20 yards out from goal, evenly spaced just wider than the ‘D’. Two mannequins placed roughly 12 yards out from goal between post and the corner of the six yard box.

Instructions:

1. GK starts outside of 6 yard box with ball at feet. Driven ball to Server A.
2. Server A passes to Server B. GK holds high position as if covering the space behind back four in game.
3. In least amount of touches, server passes to C who has checked off mannequin ready to receive on half-turn.
4. C attacks back four of mannequins with speed shooting to score around top of penalty area. When C receives and turns, GK recovers to to 1-2 yards off of goal line to set for shot.  Both D & E crash the goal once shot is hit to punish any rebounds, using deepest mannequins as off side line. Repeat opposite side. 4 Rep Sets.

Added variations:

1. A or B look to score after receiving pass with driven shot over the top of GK.
2. C dribbles at back four of mannequins and looks to play in D or E.

Coaching Points:

• Angle and body orientation to ball at A & B. At distance, GK should look to have staggered sprinter’s stance.
• GK uses penalty area for landmarks for positioning (penalty spot/top of penalty area/6-yard box). Also, in retreat, having a quick look at nearest post to gauge angle.
• Getting square at time of shot if had to half-turn in recovery towards line.
• Getting set at time of shot.
• Decisiveness whether to hold, parry, box away.
• Parrying or boxing into safe areas in consideration of crashing attackers.