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Three-sided keeper
It is important to provide training specifically for your goalkeepers. In this drill, a keeper guards three goals at the same time. It tests their mobility, positioning and shot-stopping ability. It is also very useful to have others who can play in goal so teach all your squad these skills.
What this session is about
- Positioning.
- Handling and making saves.
What to think about
Quick reactions and technique are crucial for a keeper. They have to consider how to:
- Cover the ground quickly.
- Take a positive last stride then dive, slightly diagonally forward.
- Land on the ankle first, then the outside of knee, hip, side of the body and the shoulder.
- Catch the ball if possible. If not, punch or push it behind or wide.
- Return to their feet immediately.
Set-up
| Warm up | Session | Development | Game Situation | Warm Down |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 10 minutes |
What you get your players to do
Mark out an 18-yard diameter circle, or smaller for younger players. Place three flags/poles in a triangle to form three goals in the centre, as shown in the top picture.
Use one keeper and three attackers, who stand outside the circle, opposite each goal.
Going clockwise around the circle, the first attacker shoots a ball along the ground at the goal. Instruct players when to shoot. The keeper moves quickly from goal to goal to reposition themselves for each shot. Repeat anti-clockwise.
To progress, allow the players to also chip or volley the ball, and increase the tempo by allowing players to shoot before the keeper has fully recovered their position from the previous shot.
Make sure all players have a go as the keeper.
Development
Mark out a 30-yard diameter circle with the triangle goal as before.
Play 4v4: Three defenders and a keeper versus four attackers. The attacking team tries to score in the triangle goal.
If defenders win the ball, they must try to dribble it out of the circle. Teams switch roles after a set time.
Keep count of goals scored and balls dribbled out of the circle to determine a winner.
Related Files
Game situation
Place four target goals around a pitch, one on each side, with a triangle goal in the centre as before, as shown in the bottom picture.
One team defends the triangle goal with a keeper and three players, and must try to score in the target goals.
The other team plays without a keeper and tries to score through the three goals formed by the triangle of flags. All restarts begin with you, or an assistant, passing to the four attackers. After a set time, teams switch roles and their scores are added together to see who wins.
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