Elevate a Goalkeeper’s game by utilizing repetition shooting with a blocked view.

The Two Goalkeeper-Game.

NFHCA Field Hockey Drill of the Week, 4-2-1 Drill

Objective: Improve a Goalkeeper’s vision in chaos with players in front of them.

Set Up: 

  • Goalkeeper B is the goalkeeper in the cage making saves and spearheading the protection of the cage.
  • During the drill, Goalkeeper A is only there to BLOCK the vision of Goalkeeper B, moving laterally up and down (squat, reach to the sky).
  • Goalkeeper A should be moving around in front of Goalkeeper B to change the blocked angles of the vision for Goalkeeper A. Goalkeeper A is protected with pads and if the shooters hits Goalkeeper A with the ball, then the shooters
    continue playing the rebound.

The Drill:

  • The drill starts with the coach feeding a ball to (1) who take a quick shot. Goalkeeper B needs to work to find and see the ball around Goalkeeper B.
  • The coach then feeds the ball to player (2) who take a quick shot from the top of the circle. Goalkeeper B needs to work to find and see the ball around Goalkeeper A.
  • Goalkeeper A and B switch positions after a few sets.
  • Once the goalkeepers are comfortable finding the ball around an impediment, player (1) and (2) can play any rebound after the shot.
  • Lastly, add player (3) and (4) coming in for a rebound or tip when player (1) and (2) are shooting.

Points of Emphasis:

  • Vision in traffic.

Recommendations:

  • Allow goalkeepers to get used to part one of the drill, just finding the ball on the initial shot without any tips or rebounders.
  • The goalkeeper in front being the blocker (A) can also add a jump over the ball as it Is being shot to elevate difficulty.
  • The goalkeeper in front being the blocker (A) can also use their stick to redirect and tip the ball with their back to the cage.