Catch And Roll

Objective

• -Link movement, catch and release
• -Warm up the body with simple actions
• -Build confidence with repeated catches

Setup

1. 1Mark a simple rectangle with cones.
2. 2Goalkeepers work in pairs or small groups.
3. 3One coach or player is placed at each end with balls.

How to play

1. 1The goalkeeper shuffles to a cone, then receives a rolled ball.
2. 2After the catch, the keeper quickly rolls or throws the ball to the other end.
3. 3The next movement starts straight away.
4. 4Use both sides so the keeper works left and right.
5. 5Keep the flow continuous but calm.

Progressions

• +Set Position Check: serve early to shorten the set time
• +Blind Serve: add a deflection off a mannequin
• +Distribution Exit: coach calls the target after the save
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Set Position Check: announce the serve so the keeper can prepare
• -Blind Serve: serve slower and from further out
• -Distribution Exit: one fixed target every time
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Set Position Check — The keeper must be fully set — feet split, hands ready — before every strike.
• -Blind Serve — The keeper starts facing away or with a screen blocking sight of the strike.
• -Distribution Exit — Every save or catch must be followed by a chosen distribution: throw, side-volley or pass to a full-back.
• -Handling Volume — Ten unbroken repetitions per set with clean handling — a drop means the set restarts.
• -1v1 Situation — A live attacker runs onto the ball, so the keeper must decide to close, hold or spread.
• -Cross Claiming — Serves come as crosses from both sides with a passive attacker in the six yard box.
• -Fatigue Finish — Finish each set with three saves in ten seconds to work handling under fatigue.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Standing still between actions
• -Loose control after the catch
• -Lunging at the ball