Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Ariel Balls

High catch basic (15 mins)

Organization

Set up as shown (ladder/hurdlers/cones)

Go through ladder straight 10 high catches

leading with your left foot 10 high catches

leading with your right foot 10 high catches

Ickey Shuffle 10 high catches

2 sets of each 

Coaching Points

High Catch

Head and eyes should be focused on the ball. 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 trajectory of the ball.

The weather conditions.

Long Distance High balls (15 mins)

Organization

Starting with the coach serving balls from the corners (10 from each side)

The player should take a natural position in the middle of the goal a yard or two off their line. If it is an inswinging corner they should stay close to their line. If it is an out-swinging corner, their should take a few steps toward their 6-yard box but stay central. They should try to catch the ball at the highest point. 

Progression - Move around to points C,D & E. Make sure the ball is high enough in the air for the player to make a catch above their head. Try to score from point E to ensure the keep can judge the flight of the ball and also have the vertial jump to touch it over the bar.

Coaching Points

Head and eyes should be focused on the ball. 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 trajectory of the ball.

The weather conditions.