Counter Goalkeeper Handling Ladder

Objectives

• -Build clean, repeatable handling
• -Set the feet before every save
• -Work through low, mid and high service

How to set it up

1. 1Mark out the working area at 24 x 18 yards. Put a cone on each corner so the boundary is obvious to the players.
2. 2A goal with three service cones in an arc in front of it in a 24 x 18 yards area.
3. 3Place two mini goals on the halfway line for the counter-attacking side to aim at.
4. 4A supply of balls at each service cone.
5. 5Place the goals before you start and check the run-off behind them is clear and safe.
6. 6Kit for this practice: Balls, Cones, Full Goals. Keep a supply of spare balls beside the coach so a lost ball never stops the practice.
7. 7Split 1-6 players into pairs or a group of three so nobody waits more than one repetition.
8. 8Set the area up before the players arrive, then walk them through the shape once at a jog before the first live repetition.

How to run it, step by step

1. 1Get the players into position and walk the first repetition through slowly so everybody knows where they start and where they go.
2. 2Server works through low, waist-height and high service in turn.
3. 3The keeper resets to the middle of the goal after every save.
4. 4Ten saves per set with a short rest between sets.
5. 5The team in possession starts each rep in their own half and must build forwards.
6. 6Turnovers earn a direct counter at the mini goals worth two points.
7. 7After their action each player follows their pass and joins the back of the next line, so everybody rotates through every position in the practice.
8. 8Every repetition finishes with a strike at goal. As soon as the ball leaves the striker's foot the next player starts, so the practice keeps flowing.
9. 9Freeze the practice once or twice per round, make one coaching point to the whole group, then restart immediately.

What each player does

Working player

Takes the repetition: receives, executes the goalkeeping action and finishes the sequence at match pace.

Server

Delivers a consistent, firm ball on the coach's call, then collects a spare ball ready for the next repetition.

Goalkeeper

Sets before every strike, works the save, then distributes to restart the next attack rather than kicking the ball away.

Waiting players

Stand behind the start cone with a ball ready, watch the repetition in front of them and step in the moment it finishes.

Coach

Stands where the whole picture is visible, serves or calls the start, and makes one clear point per freeze.

Timings and organisation

• -Run 5 rounds of roughly 3 minutes inside the 16 minute slot.
• -Give 45-60 seconds of rest between rounds so the quality of the work stays high, and use that gap for your coaching point.
• -Rotate roles at the end of every round so each player works, serves and defends across the practice.
• -If the practice is too easy, move to a progression rather than adding more repetitions. If players are struggling, drop to a regression for one round and then build back up.

Common mistakes

• -Handling with the arms out straight
• -Moving as the ball is struck
• -Dribbling into traffic when the counter is on
• -Standing still and watching instead of moving into the next position