Goalkeeping remains one of the most difficult skills to develop among young soccer players. The following drill can help players improve their awareness, speed, and reaction time to become better goalies.
Set up a 50-yard square area with three cones in a triangle at the center. Split the team into two groups, each with its own goalie. The two goalies stand in the center triangle and must defend all three sides of the triangle from shots made by the opposing team. Ideally, the coach should mark a circle around the triangle with a 20-yard diameter. Only the goalkeepers are allowed in the circle. When a team’s goalkeeper has possession of the ball, that player becomes an offensive player. Once the players get used to the drill, coaches can add a second ball to up the ante and truly test the skills of the goalkeepers.