Youth Soccer Goalie Drills

Soccer is a game of skill that requires passion and practice. While many youngsters aspire to be a prolific goalscorer, the importance of a solid defense-- which lies at the heart of being a goalkeeper--is sometimes underestimated by the most novice of coaches. For any youngster eager to improve his goalie skills, the English county Football Associations and club academies are a well-established resource for goalkeeping courses and drills to help any young player develop his skills.

  1. Position

    • Keep on your front foot when strikers are advancing.

      Standing in the correct position is the first key point for a goalkeeper. Your feet should be a shoulder-width apart, your elbows tucked in, and your weight leaning slightly forward. This position will prevent you from being caught on the back foot, improving reaction time.

    Catching

    • Catch a ball with a firm grip from both hands.

      Catching the ball is vital for a goalie. The hands should be in a "W" position with the thumbs nearly touching. This ensures that a powerfully struck shot will not pass through your palms as both hands are behind the ball. Firing shots at the 'keeper with increasing intensity is useful goalie practice for her to become accustomed to this method of catching the ball.

    Crosses

    • Attack a crossed ball, keeping both eyes on the ball at all times.

      Attacking teams will not always advance through the middle of the defense and wingers often bombard the penalty area with crosses. It is vital for the 'keeper to take charge of her penalty area, advancing off the line to take crosses. Standing on the corner of the six-yard box and tossing a ball at varying speeds and heights for her to catch provides excellent decision-making practice. Assessing the flight of the ball, attacking the ball, raising the knee for protection and landing with the ball safely are the key factors examined in this goalkeeping drill. After 10 catches, swap sides or angles and deliver 10 more.

    Shots

    • Watch the ball, not the striker.

      Facing shots is an inevitability for a goalkeeper and an intelligent attacking team will attempt to make the goalie move across his line to make it harder for him to repel the thrusts. As the 'keeper positions himself at one post with the ball on the same side of the area, pass the ball into the center of the box to a waiting striker. The striker then shoots toward the corner of the goal opposite that to which the goalie started, forcing him to move quickly across his line and save the ball, watching the ball all the way on to his hand and with a firm wrist repelling the ball away. As with crossing practice, swap sides to get the 'keeper accustomed to saving shots from both sides of the box.