Every shot that comes across the line is a challenge to be met for most goalkeepers. After all, you are the guardian of the net. Football is a game that redefines unpredictability, and for you, that means an extensive repertoire of skills and a solid focus on blocking each shot. What drills can you try to block shot after shot? This guide can help.
Drill #1 – Three is Wild
Your foundational skills as a goalkeeper are absolutely everything. Good footwork, quick changes in direction, and effective blocking matter. This drill works to strengthen all of those things. You’ll want to start by setting up three cones of different colours at least three metres from the front of your goal line. Have one other player on hand to make some shots. You should stand at the ready position, and your partner will yell out a specific colour. You run to that colour cone, then head back into position at the centre. As you head for ready position, your partner will take a shot at the goal, and you will try to block it. To make this harder, increase the pace by having the shooter take the shot before you’re back in position. Make sure your shooter takes a variety of kinds of shots, too, to help you learn to think and react more quickly.
Drill #2 – Keep it Moving
You’ll want the goalkeeper and at least five other players for this drill. The goal here is to focus on footwork and proper positioning as well as to sharpen your reaction skills in faceoff situations. You’ll need to use everything you have to anticipate the movements of the striker based on what you see and focus on the ball by following passes.
To get started, have all of the players spread out in the penalty zone. There should be a good supply of training balls behind them. The players should all pass the ball to each other. After three or four passes, have one player take a shot at the goal. As the goalkeeper, you should follow the ball consistently and try to make the save. As soon as the attempt is complete, the players should start over. This should go on for five to six cycles. The faster the players on the field move, the harder it is for you to keep their shots out of the goal.
Drill #3 – It Just Takes One
The goal here is work on directionality. Remember that during a match, a ball can change directions at any moment in time, and if you anticipate that change incorrectly, you’ll need to make a fast change to keep up with it. This drill can help you reposition correctly and change your own angles to prepare you to better adjust.
This drill starts with a single cone a metre ahead of the goal line and in line with the middle of the goal. Have one other player stand with a few footballs in the corner of the penalty area. You should run toward the cone as if it were a striker ready to attack. Then run around it and come back to the goal line just as the other player makes as shot toward the goal. The other player should continuously move to various positions so you can practice defending against incoming shots from every possible angle and incorporate both high and low shots.
What Are You Waiting For? Get Started!
Remember, consistency is key, and the more you incorporate these drills into your training regimen, the more proficient you’ll become in thwarting shots from all angles. Embrace the challenges, learn from every session, and don’t shy away from pushing your boundaries. Take a look at our complete supply of training equipment to help you run through the right drills to enhance your training regimen.