Goalkeeping Tips & Drills for Youth Soccer

To become a good soccer goalkeeper for a youthsides with the hands outstretched and the torso
soccer club, it is important at an early age to practiceshould be leaning forward ready to spring into action.
the fundamentals over and over through goalkeeping- Goalkeeping Footwork - A good soccer goalkeeper
drills customized to improve the specific skills andis always moving. They should be shuffling or
athleticism needed. A few youth goalkeeper drills arebouncing on the balls of their feet, ready to spring
listed below but you can find many more free youthinto action. A soccer goalkeeper who plays "flat on
goalkeeping drills for soccer online at websites liketheir feet" is going to get beat more often, so
A soccer goalkeeper needs to be quick on his feetalways be in the "ready" position.
to effectively cover the goal line, which is whyUse the shuffle step to move back and forth in the
learning proper footwork is the main key forcrease. This will keep the goalkeeper square to the
goalkeeping success. As the last line of defense, theball and help prevent tripping. The key here is not to
soccer goaltender must be able to read the play andcross your feet as you move from side to side.
react quickly to the shot. Their job is to catch or- Goalkeeper Positioning - Keep an eye out as to
deflect the soccer ball to remove the danger. Theyhow you are positioned in the net. Occasionally glance
are also responsible for launching a counterattackto each post and adjust your position accordingly.
once the save has been made. Additionally, to be anDepending on the pressure you're under, you'll want
effective soccer goalkeeper, one must learn how toto give the shooter the least amount of open net to
position themselves in the net and reduce the openshoot at.
angle for the shooter. It's not an easy position to- Goalkeeping Recovery - A successful soccer
play, so we'll go over some strategies and drills togoalkeeper recovers quickly from a save. They get
train as a youth soccer goalkeeper below.on their feet and keep their hands free to be
Soccer Goalkeeping Drills & Tips:prepared for another save. Practice getting up quickly
- Goalkeeper Stance - A soccer goaltender shouldwithout the use of the hands.
always stay square to the ball with hips and shouldersGoalkeepers have one of the most exciting positions
turned toward the shooter. In the event of a looseon the field. Every block and every score that passes
ball, always keep it in front of you and be ready tois a critical moment in the game. There are plenty of
react.drills to practice your footwork, positioning, and
- When a shot is taken, the soccer goalkeeper shouldrecovery, but the most valuable experience is taking
be square to the shooter with the knees bent slightlymany shots on goal.
and on the balls of the feet. Arms should be at their