Top 3 Soccer Goalie Catching and Handling Drills to Warm Up.

A solid pre game or training warm up is vital for a goalkeepers preparation for the game/practice that is to follow. Warm ups should not only include jogging and stretching. We have to warm up the entire body, including the mind. Keeperstop decided to showcase the best 3 handling warm up drills a soccer goalkeeper can do. The 3 step progression keeps the goalkeepers mind and body engaged, ensuring that the young GK will be ready to either play or train. 

For parents and goalkeeper coaches, we have segmented our training session in 3 easy to follow progressions. These soccer goalie exercises require little equipment and can be replicated in a small area of grass or turf. Whilst the goalkeeper is working on handling, the server should be working on their distribution. Emphasize quality over quantity so that each goalkeeper is receiving good service to work on their handling technique. 

3 progressions of the best handling warm up exercises for soccer goalkeepers:

• Mini Ball Alternating Hands - Use a small square (4 cones) and mini soccer balls (size 1). Vary the service high and low, so that the keeper needs to use footwork to get to the ball. The GK should keep their eyes on the mini ball using their hand eye coordination to complete the catch. Short, sharp movements focusing on quality!
• Diamond Catch from the knees - Using the same square (4 cones) now we move to size 5 soccer balls. The ball is struck from the ground at speed. The goalkeeper keeps their core engaged and hands in a neutral position. As the shot is taken, the keeper should focus on a "W" or Diamond catch. The service can be varied, but should stay below shoulder height. The keeper should focus on reacting to the service, rather than guessing where the ball is going to go. 
• Box Drill with 4 cones - Using 4 different colored cones, set up the same 4x4 square you have used for the previous 2 exercises. This time, the keeper is working from their feet. They listed to the color instruction (from the server) and using good quality footwork (drop step, side shuffle) to touch a colored cone. Once the cone is touched, the server can strike the ball at any time. The service can be low to medium range height. The goalkeeper needs to keep their eyes on the soccer ball, so they can get set as the shot is taken. Even if not back in the center of the square, the goalkeeper should get set and react to the service. This drill also requires the goalkeeper to stay mentally engaged throughout. 
  
  
  These are 3 very effective handling warm up exercises for goalkeepers of all ages. You can increase the speed and power of the service for the more advanced goalkeepers that you train. 
  
  The training was conducted by Christian Benjamin (Keeperstop.com owner) with goalkeepers aged between 15-18 years of age. Contact the goalkeeper experts with any questions 860.904.7679