Pressure 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 16 x 10 yards area.
2. 2Position a recovering defender behind each working player, starting two yards back.
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 defender is released the moment the ball leaves the server's foot.
5. 5The working player scores by completing the action before pressure arrives; the defender scores by blocking it.

Progressions

• +Defender starts level rather than behind
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Defender presses at jogging pace only
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two defenders alternate so pressure is constant
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Handling with the arms out straight
• -Moving as the ball is struck
• -Facing your own goal and getting trapped by the press