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GOAL KEEPING

Please select a subsection from the topics below :

A basic introduction Throwing the ball Saving
Clearing the back pass I Clearing the back pass II
Positional Play Progression on Positional Play
Attributes needed for Goalkeepers Catching High Balls
Diving (early stages) Dealing with high balls Finishing Skills
Dealing with kicked clearances Punching one hand
Conditioned Games for Goalkeepers Punching the ball
Sharpening practices Progression I Progression II
Progression III Progression IV Progression V

CATCHING HIGH BALLS

Goalkeepers must develop the art of catching high balls, it is an integral part of the position.

Being accomplished at taking crosses (for example) can take a lot of work and weight off the defence and a confident reliable catcher, in the last line of defence, can boost the confidence of the entire team.

To develop good technique, all goalkeepers need to look at the basic techniques, i.e. two hands on the ball whenever possible, eyes on the ball all the time (and not on opponents coming in to challenge), and making the catch at the highest possible height.

Simple practices for starters: -

Three players (A), (B) and (C) (one ball), players around 5 metres apart

Practice 1

(A) throws above (C), and (B) reaches high to make the catch. N.B. (C) remains stationary and does not challenge for the ball; as in diagram (1)

(All 3 roles are exchanged)

To progress the players spread slightly to around 10 metres apart. (A) and (B) each with a ball (C) is the keeper taking the catching practice (diagram 2).

(A) lobs the ball (C) catches at the highest point, and returns it to (A). To put him under pressure (B) immediately throws the ball up and (C) catches again before returning the ball to (B).

The speed of service can be altered to increase the pressure on (C). Serves can also be served slightly to either side of (C) who has to manoeuvre himself before catching.

All roles again are interchanged to ensure all receive practice at catching.

Once techniques improve the goalkeepers must be put under some sort of competition when attempting to catch, so in practice 3, an attacker is brought in. (Diagram 3)

In the first practice (A) lobs the ball up (using two hands) and (C) moves in to try and put goalkeeper (B) under pressure as he attempts to catch. Once (B) catches he should grab the ball into his midriff and shield it away from (C) who moves in facing (B).

In the second practice, (C) starts facing (A) and with his back to (B). Once (A) throws the ball (C) immediately starts backing into (B) to try and make catching difficult.

(C) can jump up and try and head the ball, (B) must attempt to catch once again at the highest point. This practice will invariably bring physical contact with (C) but will assist in dealing with pressurising while catching.

Once again all roles reversed, coaches ensuring an accurate serving - with goalkeepers catching 2 hands and eyes on the ball at all times.