Wide Channel 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. 2Mark five-yard channels down both touchlines with flat cones.
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 practice is started by a pass into one of the wide channels.
5. 5End actions only count when the ball has travelled through a wide channel first.

Progressions

• +Defender allowed into the channel to make it live
• +Raise the demand once the group is consistently successful

Regressions

• -Channel is a free zone with no defender at all
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch the ball to the far channel before the end action
• -Run the practice on the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Handling with the arms out straight
• -Moving as the ball is struck
• -Everything funnelling into a crowded middle