1. Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
TCYSA GOALKEEPING: Six 10 minute activities for the goalkeeper
Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
Introduction
The goalkeeper plays a highly specialized position and requires a unique skill-set different from other positions on the field. Like field players there are four key components in the development of goalkeeping: Technical, Tactical, Physical, and Psychosocial. In addition to specific goalkeeper training, the goalkeeper should be integrated in the weekly team practices (match realistic environment) to optimize their development.
The following slides will show you the basic techniques and give you six 10 minute activities you can do with the goalkeeper at practice. If you have any questions about goalkeeper training please contact Kyle Jones at

2. Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
TCYSA GOALKEEPING: Six 10 minute activities for the goalkeeper
Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
Set Position
A correct “Set Position” for a goalkeeper is crucial in order to make their next action. When a goalkeeper isn’t set, either by moving their feet or their weight is shifted to a side, they are unable to perform the techniques needed for the save. A goalkeeper correctly set gives them a position that they can make split second decisions from based on the opponent. Goalkeepers often move and get set many times before the shot is hit.
The Goalkeeper Set Position Before a Shot:
Weight balanced with very slight lean forward on balls of feet, head and shoulders
Exhale and keep body relaxed
Feet shoulder width apart with knees slightly bent
Hands to the goalkeepers sides slightly in front of the legs with palms facing out
Each time an opposing player is in a position to strike the ball the goalkeeper should get set
Goalkeeper to take small steps forward when arriving to their set position
Activity to try: Why is it important to get set before a shot? Get in a set positions and take a small in each direction with your feet. Your set position should be where it feels equal to move in all directions. After that, in the set position, shift your weight backward and try taking the same small steps in each direction.

3. Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
TCYSA GOALKEEPING: Six 10 minute activities for the goalkeeper
Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
Goalkeeper Activity 1: Set Position

4. Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
TCYSA GOALKEEPING: Six 10 minute activities for the goalkeeper
Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
Saving Shots on the Ground
For a goalkeeper dealing with shots on the ground can be difficult. Depending on where the shot is placed, on the ground, is the furthest a goalkeeper has to go to make a save. The goalkeeper should move their feet and get their body behind the ball.
The Goalkeeper Saving Shots on the Ground:
Goalkeeper in set position
Slight step toward the ball allowing the knees to bend and create a second barrier behind the ball (goalkeepers knees should not touch the ground)
Palms out with pinkies touching and finger tips on the ground
Leave head down with eyes on the ball
Scoop ball into mid section and continue with momentum going forward
Secure ball with elbows tight to body
Activity to try: Why to keep your head down when receiving a low ball? In the set position take a small step forward and reach your hands, palms out, so your fingertips are touching the ground. Pretend there is a rope connected from your chin to your hands. Raise your head up a little to look around and see where your hands end up.

5. Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
TCYSA GOALKEEPING: Six 10 minute activities for the goalkeeper
Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
Goalkeeper Activity 2: Saving Shots on the Ground

6. Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
TCYSA GOALKEEPING: Six 10 minute activities for the goalkeeper
Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
Saving Mid Range Shots - Knees to Stomach (Basket Catch)
Saving mid range shots involves the goalkeeper making a decision whether to catch the ball with their hands or cushion the ball into their mid section. Choosing the wrong technique can result in a ball rebounding to the opponent or injury to fingers. It is important for a goalkeeper to practice the decision making of the mid range shot in an isolated and team environment.
The Goalkeeper Saving Mid Range Shots (Knees to Stomach):
Goalkeeper in set position
As soon as the goalkeeper’s palms are facing the ground the goalkeeper has to flip them to make the basket save
Palms out with pinkies touching and finger tips spread
Leave head down with eyes on the ball
Slight movement backward with feet to cushion ball into the body
Secure ball with elbows tight to body
Activity to try: When to make the decision to cushion shot into mid section? Hold your arms out in front of you, palms out and fingers pointing up, then touch your thumbs together to make a W. Rotate your hands toward the ground. Just before your W starts to become an M you should flip your hands with palms up and pinkies touching.

7. Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
TCYSA GOALKEEPING: Six 10 minute activities for the goalkeeper
Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
Goalkeeper Activity 3: Saving Mid Range Shots (Basket Catch)

8. Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
TCYSA GOALKEEPING: Six 10 minute activities for the goalkeeper
Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
Saving Mid Range Shots – Chest to Head (Contour Catch)
The counter catch is used when shots are coming in to the chest and head area. The shot is too high to basket catch and low enough that the goalkeeper doesn’t have to go overhead. It is important for them to get their hands up to catch or cushion the ball to the ground. The goalkeeper wants to make a W or diamond with their hands for contour catches.
The Goalkeeper Saving Mid Range Shots (Chest to Head):
Goalkeeper in set position
Hands in a W position with thumbs close to touching and finger tips spread out (younger players with smaller hands may want to use a diamond shape)
Hands in front of body with arms extended with a slight bend in the elbows
Keep eye on the ball
Cushion the ball in by giving with the elbows
Weight should remain slightly forward
Secure ball with elbows tight to body
Activity to try: Why is it important to keep hands away from body? Make a W with your hands and bend elbows so your hands are close to your chest. Try moving your hands from side to side. You will find that your movement is restricted. Then try extending your arms away from body with elbows slightly bent. Try moving your hands from side to side. You will find you have more range to save shots.

9. Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
TCYSA GOALKEEPING: Six 10 minute activities for the goalkeeper
Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
Goalkeeper Activity 4: Saving Mid Range Shots – Chest to Head (Contour Catch)

10. Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
TCYSA GOALKEEPING: Six 10 minute activities for the goalkeeper
Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
Saving High Balls Above the Head From Crosses (Contour Catch)
Making a decision on when to come out for a cross and when to hold involves many immediate decisions to be made. Judging the flight of the ball is difficult for Goalkeeper’s of all ability levels. Coming out to quickly can result in a ball over the head and an empty goal. Coming out late can be dangerous as it has given the opponent time to make a run at the ball and may lead to a collision. Staying on their line protects the goal but vision and range become a program because of how many players are in the penalty box. Make sure your Goalkeeper learns to give a loud “Keeper!” call as soon as they make the decision to come out and not after they are coming out.
The Goalkeeper saving crosses coming into the box (above the head
First steps away from flight of the ball, then run feet and attack ball at it’s highest point
Call “Keeper!” as soon as decision is made to come out for cross
Hands in a W position with thumbs close to touching and finger tips spread
Hands above head and arms extended with a slight bend in the elbows
Keep eye on the ball
Knee up to gain leverage and for protection
Cushion the ball in by giving with the elbows
Continue momentum forward for a safe exit from oncoming players
Activity to try: Why move away from the ball first?
Start in a relaxed set position. Take 2 fast steps forward and immediately change direction to move backward, this is difficult to do and hard to keep balanced. Then from the set position take 2 steps backward and immediately change direction to move forward. You will find the weight transfer is easier, you are faster and are in more control of your movements. Don’t forget to give a loud “Keeper!” call because we have all wanted to at some time or another 

11. Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
TCYSA GOALKEEPING: Six 10 minute activities for the goalkeeper
Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
Goalkeeper Activity 5: Saving High Balls, Above the Head, From Crosses (Contour Catch)

12. Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
TCYSA GOALKEEPING: Six 10 minute activities for the goalkeeper
Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
Diving – The Collapse Dive
Diving is a goalkeeper’s last resort. All attempts should be made to safely stay on feet while having the 2 barriers behind the ball. A “Collapse Dive” is when a shot is hit slightly to the side where the goalkeeper can’t move their feet and get behind the ball. “Collapse” refers to the leg closest to the ball, as a small step is taken the leg collapses to the ground bring the goalkeepers hands and body with it. Note: When working with goalkeepers ages 8-12 have them practice landing from a sitting position then progress to landing from the knees. For goalkeepers ages 13 and up have them start from knees and progress to feet.
The Goalkeeper saving a shot hit to the side that doesn’t allow the goalkeeper to get body behind the ball while keeping their feet:
Goalkeeper in set position
Take a small step out and slightly forward with the leg in the direction they are diving (teach taking the step so the knee is further out then the toe and not the toe further out then the knee)
Reach hands away from the body and toward the ball in a W position while keeping eye on the ball
Dive at a slightly forward angle
Cushion landing with the ball by pinning it with a top hand, behind hand and the ground
Goalkeeper should land on their side with arms extended but slightly bent. Goalkeepers should not cushion their landing with their elbow as this can cause serious injury.
Pull ball into chest after save and secure it with tight elbows and bringing top knee to chest
Activity to try: What does landing feel like? Start by sitting down with you feet in front of you and your knees bent in a relaxed position. Hold a ball in front of you with a W. Shift your weight to a side and come to the ground. Try it with your body making contact with the ground before the ball and then the next time use the ball to cushion your fall. Imagine the magnified feeling when a goalkeeper is diving from their feet.

13. Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
TCYSA GOALKEEPING: Six 10 minute activities for the goalkeeper
Objective – Learn the basics of goalkeeper technique
Goalkeeper Activity 6: Diving – The Collapse Dive