Organization:

Place one cone in the center of the goal and three or four cones about 10 yards from the goal. The goalkeepers start in the center of the goal, and while jogging to the cones in front of the goal, they catch imaginary high balls that are coming in. Goalkeepers can move straight forward or sideways with side steps and cross steps. They can also catch high balls when moving back to the center. Focus on technique. Switch between bringing left knee and right knee up. Communication from goalkeepers. Call out 'KEEPER'.

Goal:

Improve the ability of the goalkeeper to deal with a high ball or cross.

Equipment:

Cones.

Coaching Points:

Catching High Balls:

• Keep eyes on imaginary high ball.

• Hands start at the hips.

• Make the last step before the jump large. 

• When the ball comes from the left, bring up right knee. When the ball comes from the right, bring up the left knee. 

• Reach out for the ball and catch the ball at the highest point. Stretch out arms.

• On catch, hands behind and on side of the ball, fingertips on top of the ball. 

• After the catch keep the ball above the head or bring the ball to the chest and enclose and secure it.