Drills / With a friend

Goalkeeper handling

Four catches every keeper needs: the W catch, the scoop, the basket and the low collapse. Your friend throws, you catch, then swap.

Players
You and a friend
Space
10 m of grass
Kit
1 ball, gloves if you have them
Time
10 minutes
Age
Under-8s and older
BODY BEHIND THE BALLTK
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Set up

  • Stand 5 m apart on grass.
  • The thrower uses their hands at first, so the ball arrives where it should.

How it works

  1. W catch: the ball comes at head height. Thumbs and fingers make a W behind it. Ten throws.
  2. Basket: the ball comes at the stomach. Arms and chest wrap round it. Ten throws.
  3. Scoop: the ball rolls along the ground. Kneel side-on or bend with legs together, and scoop it into your chest. Ten rolls.
  4. Low collapse: a ball rolled to one side. Step across, and go down on your side with your body behind the ball. Five each side, on soft grass only.
  5. Swap roles.

What to work on

  • Watch the ball all the way into your hands.
  • Get set before the throw: feet apart, knees slightly bent, weight on your toes.
  • Bring the ball in to your chest after every catch. A held ball cannot be scored.
  • Behind the ball when you can, so your body is a second barrier.

Easier

Closer together and softer throws.

Harder

The thrower half-volleys from their hands, and calls a side for the collapse after the ball has gone.

Especially good for: goalkeeper.

Safety. Only practise going to ground on soft grass. Under-10s should keep it to kneeling and short collapses.

Try next

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