Explanation

1.       Close down the attacker

The attacker starts the movement by dribbling towards the stroke spot.  The keeper must do the following:  Start low in the ready set stance.  Close down the attacker by advancing to the stroke spot quickly.  As the keeper approaches the spot, he should extend his stick fully.

2.     Set Position

The attacker must dribble the ball into the stroke spot.  When this happens, the keeper should stop moving forwards, and stop in a balanced stance, ready to move in either direction.  The keeper should be within one yard of the stroke spot.

3.      Change of Direction

The attacker now can dribble to either side in order to score.  The keeper must follow the ball across the goal in order to block any shot attempt.

4.      The Save

The keeper must now make the save.  The ideal play is to dive forwards through the path of the ball to make the tackle.  He should fully extend both arms to make the save.  If the player is slightly ahead of the keeper and is attempting to shoot, then the keeper must dive laterally, again with both hands and block as much of the goal as possible.

5.      Repeat

Both players return to the starting position, and the drill is repeated 5 - 10 times.

Keys for Success

1.      Close down the attacker

This movement must be quick, but in control.  It is important to keep low and balanced throughout the advancement.  If you are too high, you will not be able to change directions.  The extension of the stick requires practice.  The keeper should be comfortable extending the stick while running.  Make sure the stick is back in the saving position when the drill is repeated.

2.     Set Position

The keeper should stop his forward movement just before the attacker gets to the stroke spot.   If the keeper tries to advance too much, he will be unable to react when the forward changes direction.

3.      Change of Direction

The keeper must stay on his feet as long as possible.  Typically a keeper will go down too early and the attacker will simply keep running around him and push the ball into the empty goal.  As long at the ball is ahead of the keeper he should continue to chase it down.  Only when he has caught up should he make the tackle.

4.      The Save

The key here is to attack through the path of the ball.  Once the tackle is made the keeper should stand up as quick as possible and recover for the rebound.

5.      Repeat

Once the recover is made there is no big rush for the keeper.  This drill will be very tiring and it is important to work on the technique rather than the fitness.  This can change with the level of athlete.

Progression

To advance this drill:

1. Vary the distance for the keeper/attacker to cover

2. Allow the attacker to change directions during his attack.

Evaluation  

1. The keeper should advance quickly, but maintain balance throughout.

2. The keeper should be able to move laterally across the goal with increased speed and agility

3. The keeper should extend fully to make tackles on attackers.