Here are two diving drills from a professional goalkeeping coach that you can use to develop your goalkeepers.
In the clip below Paul Rogers, Goalkeeper Coach for the Houston Dynamo, leads Diving Drills during his Goalkeeping – Training a Pro demonstration at a recent Glazier Soccer Clinic. Coach Rogers is very experienced and has been a goalkeeper coach in the past for the United States Women’s National Team. These drills are designed for professional players, but could be used by high school or any age group of goalkeepers.
Coach Rogers discusses and demonstrates two drills for goalkeepers that can be used during a practice session or a pre-game warm up. These drills listed below are focused around the proper diving technique for goalkeepers.
1.Low Pass/Shot
The coach stands about 10 yards away from the goalie and takes a low firm pass at the right post where the goalkeeper has to dive to his or her left and make a save. The pass or shot is then hit at the left post the next time so the goalkeeper has to dive to his or her right. Coach Rogers discusses a common mistake by younger or inexperienced goalkeepers during this drill. They will take a hop or extra high step before diving which is not the proper technique and allows more time for the ball to get past. The goalkeeper should be driving through the ball and moving straight across with the ball in front once they make the save.
2. Straight Forward, Slide & Shot
The goalkeeper now starts a few yards behind a training pole that is located about 6 yards out from the middle of the goal. The goalkeeper moves forward towards the training pole to start, then slides towards the side where the coach volleys a ball like a close shot on goal. The goalkeeper should focus on making a good save with both hands and staying on balance with their feet and legs. Coach Rogers describes how this drill is the most basic at any level because you can progress it so quickly.
For more information about how to gain access to Coach Rodgers’ entire presentation, as well as hundreds of other great clinic presentations click the link Glazier Soccer Clinics
The YouTube video below has audio, so please make sure that your volume is turned up and that you have access to the site. Note that some schools block access to YouTube.