Counter Goalkeeper Handling Ladder

Objective

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

Setup

1. 1A goal with three service cones in an arc in front of it in a 24 x 18 yards area.
2. 2Place two mini goals on the halfway line for the counter-attacking side to aim at.
3. 3A supply of balls at each service cone.

How to play

1. 1Server works through low, waist-height and high service in turn.
2. 2The keeper resets to the middle of the goal after every save.
3. 3Ten saves per set with a short rest between sets.
4. 4The team in possession starts each rep in their own half and must build forwards.
5. 5Turnovers earn a direct counter at the mini goals worth two points.

Progressions

• +Counter must be finished inside five seconds
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Award the counter goal for simply carrying over halfway
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Swap the counter goals for a dribble-through gate
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Handling with the arms out straight
• -Moving as the ball is struck
• -Dribbling into traffic when the counter is on