The most forgotten player in the majority of grass roots coaching sessions, but arguably the most important player on the team. "A goal saved, is as valuable as a goal scored", and should never be underestimated. Many coaches focus on how to score goals, the goal keeper can be the catalyst for attacking team success. Goal keepers can initiate counter attacks, quickly breaking defensive lines with pin point accuracy. Follow this simple drill to develop the distribution strategy that works for your team. Don't forget this activity also gives opportunities for forward players to defend from the front, with defending players learning how to get on the ball early.
Warm Up
Use the warm up to develop the correct receiving skills. Recieving the ball and manipulating into the direction the goal keeper wishes to pass too. Work on the area of the three cones as a safe position to recieve the ball. Key areas are body position when receiving, which foot to receive with, minimal touches and weight and direction of the pass (into feet, into space). Practise for two minutes, rotate players and complete three repetitions. Pitch size should represent the pitch size for players age group.
Main Session
The main session gives the opportunity for goal keepers to continue to develop their distribution capability completed in the warm up. Creating game specific scenarios, provides opportunities to develop better awareness, dealing with pressure, allow for better decisions and improve confidence ready for when called upon at the weekend.
This session doesn't just have to be about goal keepers, use this as an opportunity to improve in other areas - How does team defends from the front, are your defensive and midfield players confident recieiving the ball, help them gain a better understanding of their roles, resposibilities and how to positionally effect the game.
If you're interested to learn more or would like specific goal keeper sessions, then please get in touch. We have coach the coach opportunities as well as 1-2-8 Specialist Goal Keeper sessions for those who wish to push themselves to the next level.
