Drill Objective
- To improve the set balance position required for kicking and shooting.
- To kick the with control and accuracy towards a target.
- To recover to the set balanced position after the kick and save rebounds.
Equipment
Goal. Goalkeeper, Attacker. At least 10 balls. 2 cones/markers.
Setup
Two target cones are setup: one each on the left and right side top of the circle. The attacker stands with the balls at the top center of the circle. The keeper starts in the set balanced position about 2 yards off the goaline. These points are illustrated in the diagram below.
Explanation
1. Start and Initial Push.
The keeper begins in the set balanced position ready to face a shot from the top of the circle. The attacker collects one of the balls and pushes the ball towards the goal. The push is a slow controlled pass directed at the keepers kickers.
2. The Kick
The keeper kicks the ball towards the right target cone at the top of the circle. This kick should be accurate and controlled and be directed within 1 yard either side of the cone.
3. Follow Through
After the kick, the keeper must follow through and face where the ball has gone. When facing the ball it is important to again assume a balanced stance on the toes.
4. Shot
After the initial push the attacker moves towards the initial target cone. The attacker then collects the rebounds and shoots at goal.
5. Save
The keeper now makes the save on the rebound opportunity. Any subsequent rebounds are played out with play ending when the ball leaves the circle or a goal is scored.
6. Repeat
The attacker and keeper return to the starting positions. The sequence is repeated for a full set of 10 balls, with the target cone being alternated between right and left. The new sequence should not be started until the keeper is back in the center of the goal in the balanced set stance. This should be repeated 3-4 times with a rest of 1-2 minutes between sets where the balls can be collected.
7. Combinations
This drill can be modified as follows. The attackers starting position is moved in to 8-10 yards. The drill proceeds the same, but the rebound shot is made using a flick or a controlled hit.
Keys for Success
1. Start and Initial Push
The first key is for the keeper to focus his eyes on the ball to be put in play. This will initiate the balanced stance to start the sequence. The balanced stance has the keeper on his toes with his chest forwards and both gloves held up and away from the body.
2. The Kick
The important thing to remember here is to wait for the push and not anticipate it. When you anticipate you lose the balanced stance that allows you to react in both directions equally. You must be able to kick towards the right target cone with either kicker. With the left kicker, the ball is played with the inside of the kicker, across the body to the cone. With the right kicker, the ankle is turned to direct the ball towards the right kicker.
3. Follow Through.
After the initial kick is made, it is important to keep your vision on the ball. This will automatically initiate your movement to the balanced stance. Remember to to have equal weight on both toes with the chest forwards and gloves up.
5. Save
The most important thing here is to keep the ball out of the goal. Focus your vision on the ball alone and you will be able to maintain balance and not anticipate. Continue to follow through and position yourself for all subsequent rebounds.
6. Repeat
When repeating this drill it is important to not rush the initial push. Make sure both the attacker and keeper are ready and then start the drill. This will keep the intensity and quality of the drill at a maximum.
Progression
To advance this drill:
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Move the two target cones farther away from the center of the circle. This will increase the distance for the forward to cover to recover the rebound. It will also make the angle for the keeper to kick more difficult.
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If a second attacker is available he can collect any misdirected rebounds and pass them to the initial attacker for the shot. The second attacker can also play any subsequent rebounds at goal. The two attackers can then alternate in the drill to keep the intensity up
Evaluation
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The keeper should be kicking the initial push with accuracy towards the target cone with either kicker.
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The keeper should be positioned well in the set balanced stance for the rebound shot.
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The keeper should save all routine shots on the rebounds. This done by not anticipating the shot. Remember, by being balanced, you can react equally in both directions.


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