Challenge goalkeepers to move, set, dive and recover through a four-ball sequence involving multiple shooters and angles.
Objective
This drill develops goalkeeper footwork, angles, diving technique and recovery. The goalkeeper in the cage must repeatedly reposition and prepare for the next ball while reacting to shots from different locations and heights.
Skill Emphasis
- Goalkeeper footwork
- Angles
- Diving
- Recovery
- Tracking
- Setting before the shot
- Rebounds
Drill
- Position Goalkeeper A in the cage.
- Position Goalkeeper B in line with the stroke mark, approximately two to three yards outside the post.
- Position Goalkeeper C in line with the opposite post and slightly beyond the stroke mark toward the top of the circle.
- Position the coach in line with the near post and several yards beyond the stroke mark.
- Ball 1: Goalkeeper B shoots on Goalkeeper A. Goalkeeper A saves and clears wide to the goalkeeper’s left.
- Ball 2: Goalkeeper A resets for the coach. The coach plays a hard ball toward the far post for Goalkeeper A to save with a dive.
- Ball 3: Goalkeeper A resets as Goalkeeper C plays the next ball toward goal.
- Ball 4: As Goalkeeper A recovers from Ball 3, the coach lifts a ball toward the cage.
- Play out as many rebounds as desired, allowing Goalkeepers B and C to become active shooters.
- Rotate so each goalkeeper receives a turn in the cage.
- Repeat the full sequence from the opposite side.
Recommended
- Treat each goalkeeper “shot” as a hard kicker clear intended to score.
- Give developing goalkeepers enough time to get on angle and set before each shot.
- Increase the tempo for experienced goalkeepers and shorten the recovery time between balls.
- On Ball 4, require the goalkeeper to track the ball and set their feet before making the save, even when they cannot fully recover onto the ideal angle.
- Emphasize quality movement and balance rather than simply surviving the sequence.
- Adjust the height or placement of Ball 4 to fit the goalkeeper’s experience.
