At Home Youth Goalkeeper Handling Training for Beginners

To develop a solid foundation in goalkeeping a youth goalkeeper must become familiar with the ball and controlling their body.  Keeperstop.com designed a series of goalkeeper handling drills for a developing junior goalkeeper.  The at home goalie training starts with simple athletic movements to establish a baseline in coordination and a connection with the ball. It progresses to partner goalkeeper drills that could be executed with another goalkeeper, parent, or sibling. The drills where conducted with a 9 year old goalkeeper in their yard.  We didn’t train the goalkeeper before hand in these movements to show how difficult they are. Important thing in youth goalkeeper training is to have fun and challenge the goalie. Here are some of the progressions we cover in the video:
 

• Skipping with ball and rotation.
• Goalkeeper handing – stretching and rhythm.
•  Ball Drop – Single and Double - Ready position with reaction.  Don’t cheat. One ball to begin then to two balls. Step gets body to and behind the ball.  Step in the direction of the ball.
• Tennis balls – Tennis balls are great goalkeeper training equipment for youth to professionals.  They are exciting to work with and challenging.  The focus is on hand eye coordination and concentrations. Services can be low ball and high ball.  Same side and opposite hand for high ball. 
  
  
  
  This is a fun and easy session that a partent or relative can conduct with a youth soccer goalie. This beginner level training does not require a lot of equipment and you only need a small outdoor space. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments.