Underload 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. 2Add one extra defender to the working area and mark their start position with a flat cone.
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 attacking group starts a player short, so every entry pass has to be sharp.
5. 5Defenders score a point for every clean turnover; attackers need three clean end actions to win the round.

Progressions

• +Add a second extra defender
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Even the numbers up again
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Attackers get one 'free pass' per round they can call
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Handling with the arms out straight
• -Moving as the ball is struck
• -Trying to beat two players instead of releasing early