GOALKEEPING

MODULE
1st4Sport LEVEL TWO IN COACHING FOOTBALL

TECHNICAL PRACTICE

CONTENTS

3. TECHNICAL PRACTICE

General handling
4. SKILL PRACTICE

Shot stopping
5. SKILL PRACTICE

Dealing with crosses
6. TECHNICAL PRACTICE

Coaching topics
8.

TECHNICAL DETAIL
Goalkeeping specific warm up
Technical detail goalkeeping specific
Step - dive
Side skip step dive
Jumping

9. GOALKEEPING SPECIFIC WARM UPS

13. GENERAL HANDLING

Technical detail

The starting position

The split step

The receiving position

The catch

Collapsing dive

Low/high diving save
14. GENERAL HANDLING

Side skip step dive

SHOT STOPPING
DEALING WITH CROSSES

15. PASSING TECHNIQUES AND PRINCIPLES

SERVING TECHNIQUES

1st4Sport Level Two in Coaching Football

Goalkeeping Module

TECHNICAL PRACTICE

GENERAL HANDLING

30 minutes

ORGANISATION
1 Goalkeeper
1 Server
4 yard goal

10 yds

PROGRESSIONS
Scoop
Cup
W technique
Collapsing save/low diving
High diving save

GK

VARIATION IN SERVICE
Volley, half volley, strike

10 yds

1st4Sport Level Two in Coaching Football

Goalkeeping Module

SKILL PRACTICE

SHOT STOPPING

30 minutes

ORGANISATION (Age appropriate)

2 Goalkeepers either end of the practice
(15 yards apart).
2 x 6 yard goals with parrying gates.

10 yds

PROGRESSIONS
1. Varied service at one another:
Striking stationary ball
Striking moving ball.
Volleys
Half volleys
2. Increase the practice to 20 yards.
GK

GK

15 yds

GK

20 yds

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Starting position in relation to the ball.
Movement into the line of the ball.
Movement down the line of the ball.
Set Position.
Assessment > decision.
Catching techniques.
Diving techniques.
Recovery saves/recovery lines.

1st4Sport Level Two in Coaching Football

Goalkeeping Module

SKILL PRACTICE

DEALING WITH CROSSES

30 minutes

10 yds

GK

GK

20 yds

ORGANISATION (Age appropriate)

Practice played inside a 20 x 10 yard grid,
progressing to a 44 x 18 yard grid
(Penalty Area).
4 x 6 yard goals (8 discs).
2 Goalkeepers/4 players.
PROGRESSIONS
20 x 10 yard grid: Goalkeeper throws for
partner to catch and return the service.
GKs go to the opposite goal (they now have
to take crosses from the opposite side).

PASSING TECHNIQUES & PRINCIPLES

Sidefoot, Drill, Wedge, Drive
Progress to the Penalty Area
( 44 x 18 yards).
Same organisation where the
Goalkeepers/players now cross for one
another. (By rotating the GKs they will get
In-swingers and Out-swingers).
Opposed practice: Introduce an attacker
and a defender.

TECHNICAL
Starting position in relation to the ball/
stance/body language.
Assessment > Decision > Communication
(Early, loud, clear and concise).
If the GK elects to go for the ball
Angle of approach to the ball.
Timing of take off : inside leg if possible.
Techniques of catching
(highest/safest point).
Techniques of punching
(height, distance and width).
If the GK elects not to go for the cross >
AWAY! > a recovery line to defend the goal.
Role of the defender
Depth/covering the Goalkeeper/
protecting the Goalkeeper/re-adjustment
of position.

1st4Sport Level Two in Coaching Football

Goalkeeping Module

TECHNICAL PRACTICE

COACHING TOPICS

Technical Practice
1. Coach the Goalkeeper when to use the
Scoop and the Cup technique.
2. Coach the Goalkeeper when to use the
Cup and W technique.
3. Coach the Goalkeeper on how to make
a collapsing save, and a low diving save.
4. Coach the Goalkeeper on how to make
a high diving save.

NOTES

Skill Practice
5. Coach the Goalkeeper at shot stopping.
Skill Practice
6. Coach the Goalkeeper at dealing
with crosses.

1st4Sport Level Two in Coaching Football

Goalkeeping Module

GOALKEEPING MODULE

TECHNICAL DETAIL

GOALKEEPING SPECIFIC WARM UP

To cover the following movement patterns:
Moving forwards
walking, jogging, side skipping, running,
sprinting.
Moving backwards
walking, running, side skipping in crossing
starting position, side skipping.
Moving sideways
side skipping, running.
In combination
running + skipping.
Diving
step-dive, shuffle-step-dive.
Jumping
one footed take off, double footed jumping.

TECHNICAL DETAIL
GOALKEEPING SPECIFIC
MOVEMENT
Side Skipping - Lateral
Moving in a balanced receiving position.
Be light on your feet.
Feet slightly outside the shoulder line.
Weight on the balls of the feet.
Head forward and steady.
Eyes firmly fixed on the ball.
Hands in a catching position.
Be balanced.
Have a relaxed upper body, chest facing
the ball.
Feet travel sideways just above the turf,
without touching each other.
Top half of body and head, still and steady.
Bottom half of the body, working hard to
get into position.
Prepare your hands early!
Like a duck swimming on a pond!!
Feet work to move the body into the line
of the ball.
Side Skipping Crossing Starting Position
Body open to the ball at 45 degrees to
the goal line.
Foot nearest the line forward.
Moving in a balanced starting position.
Be light on your feet.
Feet shoulder width apart.
Weight on the balls of the feet.
Head forward and steady.
Hands in a catching position.

Be balanced.
Have a relaxed upper body, chest facing
the ball.
Feet travel sideways just above the turf,
without touching each other.
Top half of body and head, still and steady.
Eyes firmly fixed on the ball.
Bottom half of the body, working hard to
get into a position underneath the ball.

STEP - DIVE
Step
Lead hands on to ball.
Thumbs touching W Shape.
Forearms parallel.
Elbows in front of body line.
Head as far across as possible.
Step with the foot nearest the ball.
Place foot at 45 degrees in line with the
end of the other foot.
Width of step depends on how far away
the ball is.
Dive
Weight transfers through foot from heel to
toe.
Moving the knee over the top of the foot.
This causes the calf, thigh and glutes to
pre-load.
The shin moves into a positive angle,
allowing power generation.
Push off other foot with inside studs on
the ball of the foot.
On catching the ball, take the ball onto the
floor and secure, using the ground as a
third hand.

SIDE SKIP STEP DIVE

Side Skip
Moving in a balanced receiving position.
Be light on your feet.
Feet slightly outside the shoulder line.
Weight on the balls of the feet.
Head forward and steady.
Eyes firmly fixed on the ball.
Hands in a catching position.
Be balanced.
Have a relaxed upper body, chest facing
the ball.
Feet travel sideways just above the turf,
without touching each other.
Top half of body and head, still and steady.
Bottom half of the body, working hard to
get into position.
Prepare your hands early!

Step
Lead hands on to ball.
Thumbs touching W Shape.
Forearms parallel.
Elbows in front of body line.
Head as far across as possible.
Step with the foot nearest the ball.
Place foot at 45 degrees in line with the
end of the other foot.
Width of step depends on how far away
the ball is.
Dive
Weight transfers through foot from heel
to toe.
Moving the knee over the top of the foot.
This causes the calf, thigh and glutes to
pre-load.
The shin moves into a positive angle,
allowing power generation.
Push off other foot with inside studs on
the ball of the foot.
On catching the ball, take the ball onto
the floor and secure, using the ground as
a third hand.

JUMPING
One Footed Take Off
Jump off the foot nearest the goal.
Drive the other knee up for lift and
protection.
Bring the hands and arms through the
middle of the body.
Extend the arms fully (highest point).
Thumbs in W shape, fingers forming
a basket.
Tip the head back to watch the ball all the
way into the gloves.
Double Footed Take Off
Weight on the balls of the feet.
Feet shoulder width apart.
Bend knees.
Jump off both feet.
Drive the hands and arms through the
middle of the body.
Extend the arms fully (highest point).
Thumbs in W shape, fingers forming
a basket.
Tip the head back to watch the ball all the
way into the gloves.

1st4Sport Level Two in Coaching Football

Goalkeeping Module

GOALKEEPING SPECIFIC WARM UPS

PRACTICES

Practice Organisation
15 yards long x 6 yards wide.
Goalkeepers work inside the markers
performing an exercise.
On reaching the top they cross over and
jog back down the outside the markers.
The next pair starts when the pair in front
reaches the second marker.
Two runs per exercise:
- jogging
- running forwards
- running backwards
- skipping forward
- skipping backwards
- side skipping in receiving position
- side skipping in crossing starting position
- sprinting

Practice Organisation
15 yards long x 6 yards wide.
Goalkeepers work inside the markers
performing an exercise.
GK1 and GK2 face each other; GK1 has
the ball.
They side skip up the markers passing the
ball to each other.
On reaching the top GK1 picks up the ball
and both GKs cross over and jog back on
the outside of the markers to the start
to work again.
The next pair starts when the first pair
passes the third marker.
Service:
Roll on the floor, throw at knee height,
throw at waist height, throw at chest
height, throw at head height,
throw above head, side foot pass, roll
on floor for a diving save, throw at waist
height for a diving save, bounce throw for
diving save.

GK

GK

GK

GK

GK

GK

1st4Sport Level Two in Coaching Football

Goalkeeping Module

Practice Organisation
G
 K1 serves the ball to gk2 who makes
a save.
G
 K1 follows his serve, going to the back
of the opposite queue.
G
 K2 serves the ball to GK3 and follows his
serve continue.
Service throw, bounce throw, throw
above head, volley, volley, drill.

Practice Organisation
6 markers 1 yard apart.
The goalkeeper side skips in the receiving
position in and out of the markers.
The goalkeepers movement should be
balanced and fluid, feet travel sideways
just above the turf, without touching
each other.
Repetitions x 4.
Progression:
Hold a ball in w catching position.

Practice Organisation
6 markers 1 yard apart.
The goalkeeper stands side on to the
markers in the receiving position, keeping
the chest parallel to the line of markers the
goalkeeper runs backwards and forwards
through the markers.
Repetitions x 4.
Progression:
Hold a ball in w catching position.

GK

GK

1st4Sport Level Two in Coaching Football

Goalkeeping Module

10

Practice Organisation
6 markers 1 yard apart.
The goalkeeper side skips in the receiving
position backwards, in and out of the
markers.
The goalkeepers movement should be
balanced and fluid, feet travel sideways
just above the turf, without touching
each other.
Repetitions x 4.
Progression:
Hold a ball in w catching position.

Practice Organisation
6 markers 2 yards a part, 2 yards wide.
The goalkeeper side skips in the receiving
position round the markers.
The goalkeepers movement should be
balanced and fluid, feet travel sideways
just above the turf, without touching
each other.
Repetitions x 4.
Progression:
Hold a ball in w catching position.

Practice Organisation
6 markers 2 yards a part, 2 yards wide.
The goalkeeper stands side on to the
markers in the receiving position, keeping
the chest parallel to the line of markers the
goalkeeper runs backwards and forwards
through the markers.
Repetitions x 4.
Progression:
Hold a ball in w catching position.

GK

GK

GK

GK

1st4Sport Level Two in Coaching Football

Goalkeeping Module

11

Practice Organisation
6 markers 2 yards a part, 2 yards wide.
The goalkeeper side skips in the
receiving position backwards, in and out
of the markers.
The goalkeepers movement should be
balanced and fluid, feet travel sideways just
above the turf, without touching each other.
Repetitions x 4.
Progression:
Hold a ball in w catching position.

9
GK

Practice Organisation
6 markers 2 yards a part, 2 yards wide with
a ball on top of each marker.
The goalkeeper side skips in the receiving
position to the ball placed on the marker,
stops, presents his hands to the ball
without actually touching it, then moves
to the next one.
The goalkeepers movement should be
balanced and fluid, feet travel sideways just
above the turf, without touching each other.
Repetitions x 4.

10

Practice Organisation
6 markers spaced yard, 1 yard, 1 yards
and 2 yards and 1 ball 18 yards away.
The goalkeeper increases their stride
through the markers, then on approaching
the ball on the end marker, slows down
and picks up the ball from the marker.
Repetitions x 4.

11

GK

GK

1st4Sport Level Two in Coaching Football

Goalkeeping Module

12

GENERAL HANDLING

THE CATCH

COLLAPSING DIVE

TECHNICAL DETAIL

For balls below the waist height:

The Scoop technique, The Cup technique.
Hands form a basket behind the ball,
fingers pointing to the floor, little fingers
together in a V shape.
Elbows shoulder width apart, in front of
the line of the body.
Get hands on the ball as early as possible,
12 in front of the feet, knees or waist.
Body, leg, knee, foot behind the ball.
Head steady and over hands.
On contact bring the head forward over
the top of the ball, to keep the weight
forward.
Eyes firmly fixed on the ball.

From the receiving position:

Lead hands on to ball.
Thumbs touching W Shape.
Forearms parallel.
Elbows in front of body line.
Shoulder nearest the floor follows.
Head behind ball.
Push hips to floor.
Collapse side of nearest knee to the floor.
End position should be your receiving
position turned on its side.
One hand behind, one hand on top, ball
secured on the floor.
Elbows in front of body line.
Head in behind.
Lying on the shoulder, hip, side of the knee.
One knee above the other.
One foot above the other.

The starting position

The split step
The receiving position
The catch
Collapsing save
Low diving/high diving save

THE STARTING POSITION

Feet shoulder width a part.
Weight on the balls of the feet (front studs),
ready to move.
Knees bent.
Pelvis tilted backwards.
Chest forward, in line with the knees,
facing the ball.
Head tilted forward (nose in front of toes)
and steady.
Eyes firmly fixed on the ball.
Elbows in front of the line of the body.
Hands in front of feet, ball width apart.
Fingers pointing towards the ball.
Prepare the hands early.

THE SPLIT STEP

A
 s the ball is struck, make a small jump
to widen the stance.
Keep upper body and arms and hands in
the starting position.
Keep your head steady and forward.
Eyes firmly fixed on the ball.

THE RECEIVING POSITION

F eet are now outside the line of the
shoulders giving a solid base.
Weight on the balls of the feet (front studs).
Knees bent, slightly more than previous.
Pelvis tilted backwards.
Centre of gravity lower than in the
starting position.
Chest forward, in line with the knees,
facing the ball.
Head tilted forward (nose in front of toes)
and steady.
Eyes firmly fixed on the ball.
Elbows in front of the line of the body.
Hands in front of feet, ball width apart.
Fingers pointing towards the ball.
Prepare the hands early
Use side skipping from this position to
move into the line of the ball.

For balls at waist height, when you are

in line of flight of the ball
Follow the flight of the ball with hands.
Get hands on to ball as early as possible.
Fingers pointing towards the ball.
Hands ball width apart, in front of the feet.
Elbows over feet, forearms parallel.
Body behind the ball.
Head steady, eyes firmly fixed on the ball.
For balls above waist height:
The W Technique.
Follow the flight of the ball with hands.
Get hands on to ball as early as possible.
Hands form a basket behind the ball,
fingers pointing upwards, thumbs in
a W shape.
Elbows shoulder width apart, in front of
the line of the body.
Gap between ball and nose 12 inches.
Use elbows as shock absorbers,
soft hands - strong wrist.
Body behind the ball.
Head steady, eyes firmly fixed on the ball.
For balls above head height:
The W Technique.
Assess the flight of the ball.
Jump off the foot nearest the goal.
Drive the other knee up for lift and
protection.
Bring the hands and arms through the
middle of the body.
Lead hands on to ball as soon as possible.
Extend the arms fully (highest point).
Thumbs in W shape, fingers forming
a basket.
Tip the head back to watch the ball all the
way into the gloves.

LOW / HIGH DIVING SAVE

STEP DIVE
From the receiving position:
Step
Lead hands on to ball.
Thumbs touching W Shape.
Forearms parallel.
Elbows in front of body line.
Head as far across as possible.
Step with the foot nearest the ball.
Place foot at 45 degrees in line with the
end of the other foot.
Width of step depends on how far away
the ball is.
Dive
Weight transfers through foot from heel
to toe.
Moving the knee over the top of the foot.
This causes the calf, thigh and glutes to
pre-load.
The shin moves into a positive angle,
allowing power generation.
Push off other foot with inside studs on
the ball of the foot.
On catching the ball, take the ball onto the
floor and secure, using the ground as a
third hand.

1st4Sport Level Two in Coaching Football

Goalkeeping Module

13

SIDE SKIP STEP DIVE

From the receiving position:
Side Skip
Moving in a balanced receiving position.
Be light on your feet.
Feet slightly outside the shoulder line.
Weight on the balls of the feet.
Head forward and steady.
Eyes firmly fixed on the ball.
Hands in a catching position.
Be balanced.
Have a relaxed upper body, chest facing
the ball.
Feet travel sideways just above the turf,
without touching each other.
Top half of body and head, still and steady.
Bottom half of the body, working hard to
get into position.
Prepare your hands early!
Step
Lead hands on to ball.
Thumbs touching W Shape.
Forearms parallel.
Elbows in front of body line.
Head as far across as possible.
Step with the foot nearest the ball.
Place foot at 45 degrees in line with the
end of the other foot.
Width of step depends on how far away
the ball is.
Dive
Weight transfers through foot from heel
to toe.
Moving the knee over the top of the foot.
This causes the calf, thigh and glutes to
pre-load.
The shin moves into a positive angle,
allowing power generation.
Push off other foot with inside studs on the
ball of the foot.
On catching the ball, take the ball onto the
floor and secure, using the ground as a
third hand.

SHOT STOPPING

DEALING WITH CROSSES

TECHNICAL DETAIL

TECHNICAL DETAIL

Into line
Getting your body into a position on a line
between the centre of the goal and the
position of the ball.

Dealing with Crosses

Starting position in the six yard box in
relationship to the goal line and the ball.
Body position open 45 degrees chest
facing ball.
Assess the flight of the ball.
Decision go or stay.
Gocatch or punch.
Staysdefend the goal.
Communicate your decision, calm,
clear, concise.

Moving into line

If the ball is not coming straight to you, you
must try to move your body behind the ball
by using a side skip technique.
Brush your feet across the turf.
Feet are now outside the line of the shoulders.
To stay balanced, as one foot comes in the
other moves away, not touching.
Keep the top half of your body and your
head steady.
Try to move in your receiving position.
If it is not possible to move into the line of
the ball by using your feet then you must
make a diving save.
Try to get your body as far across as
possible by using your feet before diving.
This will help you to cover a larger distance.
Two surfaces behind the Ball
Try to get two surfaces behind the ball.
Even with a diving save it is possible to get
two surfaces behind the ball - head and
hands/body and hands.
When it is not possible to get two surfaces
behind the ball, eg. when the ball is above
your head and also balls which you cannot
catch with two hands i.e. a parry use one
hand to deflect the ball to safety.
Down the line
Once into line the goalkeeper must move
down the line to narrow the angle i.e.
make the goal appear smaller.
The distance and timing of this movement
is vital.
Too far down the line and you leave
yourself open to the chip shot.
Not far enough down the line leaves you
too much of the goal to cover.

If Go.
Angle of approach to the ball.
Assess the shortest, quickest route to the ball.
Go late, go quickly, attack the ball
Jump off the foot nearest the goal
Drive the other knee up for lift and
protection
Bring the hands and arms through the
middle of the body
Extend the arms fully (highest point)
Thumbs in W shape, fingers forming
a basket
Tip the head back to watch the ball all the
way into the gloves.
If Stay.
Square your body off to the line.
Get your body in between the ball and
the goal.
Role of Defenders
Cover the goalkeeper.
Protect of goalkeeper.
Protect the goal.

Being set
If you are still moving down the line as
the ball is struck and not in your receiving
position, you may be unbalanced and not
ready to make the save.
Making the save
Assessing the flight and pace of the ball,
catching techniques, diving techniques,
recovery saves, recovery lines.

1st4Sport Level Two in Coaching Football

Goalkeeping Module

14

PASSING TECHNIQUES AND PRINCIPLES

SERVING TECHNIQUES

TECHNICAL DETAIL

TECHNICAL DETAIL

The Volley
The Half Volley
The Drill

The Side Foot

The Drill
The Wedge
The Drive

The Side Foot

Used over short distances on the floor to
the feet or space.
The Drill
Used over distances 20-40 yards where ball
is drilled arriving at receiver below shins.
The Wedge
Used to by-pass players over 30- 40 yards,
where ball needs to be lofted to arrive at
receiver without bouncing.
The Drive
Used to pass ball over longest distances:
e.g. passing long diagonals, goal kicks etc.

The Volley
Used to play over long distances.
The ball should be held at arms length
and dropped from the hands onto the
approaching kicking foot.
The weight should be transferred forward
in the direction of the kick, so that the
goalkeeper will kick through the ball at not
at it.
The Half Volley
Used when passing long; especially when
playing into a strong wind. Trajectory is
lower than either the volley. Flight is true
meaning greater speed and accuracy.
Dropped from hands in front of the body.
The ball is struck as it hits the ground.
This technique requires good timing.
The Drill
Used over distances 20-40 yards where ball
is drilled arriving at receiver below shins.

1st4Sport Level Two in Coaching Football

Goalkeeping Module

15

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Telephone:
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