Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Goalkeeper W6 reaction saves

Handling 1 (15 mins)

Organization

Set up as shown in the diagram 

Cones 2 yards apart 

The player completes 10 catches on each side (all 4 sets)

Coaching Points

Set Catch Head and eyes should be focused on the ball. Arms extended above but slightly in front of the head/chest. Hands should make a “W” shape, soft fingers around the contour of the ball, hands are held even with fingers spread to receive the ball.  Once the ball is caught, it should be drawn smoothly back into the chest. The keeper’s intentions to win the ball should be clearly communicated with fellow defenders in the form of a loud, commanding and early keeper call.  

Basket Catch

Get the body directly in line with the flight of the ball. Feet shoulder-width apart, knees

slightly bent, body weight forward. Head held steady, eyes focused on the ball.  

Body bends forward from the waist. Arms extended out towards the ball with

bend in the elbows. Forearms are parallel with the elbows tucked in. Palms of the hands face

upward. Once the ball contacts the hands/forearms it will be cushioned into the pocket created

by the chest/stomach and hands/forearms.  

Upon impact the body will relax slightly by getting slightly on the balls of your feet to absorb the impact of the ball. Body should always be facing the ball.

Low Scoop

Get the body directly in line with the flight of the ball, one leg bent. Kneeling reduces

the margin of error by eliminating the gap between the legs, but knee not touching the ground to allow for mobility. Hands are extended forward at ground level. Palms are facing outward waiting to channel the ball safely into the chest. This also allows us as goalkeepers to set up a counter attack.

If the ball is played to the right, then lead with the right foot. If the ball is played to left, then lead with the left foot.

High Catch

Head and eyes should be focused on the ball, ignore other players. Arms extended

And the ball should be caught at the highest point. Hands should make a “W” shape, soft fingers around the contour of the ball, hands are held even with finger’s spread to receive the ball.  The keeper should explode into the air with one need raised at a 90 degree angle in order to protect themselves. Once the ball is caught, it should be drawn smoothly back into the chest. The keeper’s intentions to win the ball should be clearly communicated with fellow defenders in the form of a loud, commanding and early keeper call.

Factors to consider

The distance from which the ball is traveling.  

The pace of the ball.  

Presence of opposition strikers.  

The weather conditions

Reaction Saves 2 (15 mins)

Organization 

The keeper starts facing the goal, on coaches command they turn to make the save

3 Ball set up at different angles 

The keeper should take 3 shots from each angle - 5 sets

Coaching Points

Get in line with the flight of the ball. 

Set yourself depending on the type of save you are going to make 

Weight on the balls of your feet

Locate the ball as soon as you turn