Develop goalie hand-eye coordination through progressive distance shooting. Goalie in ready position. Coach starts 2-3 yards away, lightly tossing balls while moving in an arc around the goal. Goalie saves and quickly returns the ball. Hit all shot positions twice, then back up to 5-7 yards and repeat, then 10-12 yards. Increase shot speed with distance. Vary release points so the goalie sees different angles. Variation: Bounce shots. Rapid fire sequences. Goalie makes outlet passes after saves.
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Clearing Relay
Players line up in all four corners of the box with goalies at both sides in between the lines . At the same time, players to the left of each goalie sprint upfield and receive an outlet pass from the goalie over the shoulder and sprint through the other side and get in line. Drill moves continuously with goalies throwing back and forth. Emphasize catching on the run, crisp outlet passes, quick ball movement, and catching over the shoulder..
Goalie Warm up
Have goalie receive shots on goal and clears
Quick Hands
Develop goalie hand-eye coordination without a stick. Goalie in ready position, no stick. Coach stands 4-5 feet away and tosses balls at the cage. Goalie makes saves mimicking stick movements but catches with the top hand. Work all shot positions. Variation: Bounce the ball and have the goalie save it using only the chest protector.
Goalie Footwork
Develop goalie footwork, quickness, and ready-position discipline. Lateral Hops: Hop side to side over a shaft, staying in ready position (30 sec) Front to Back: Hop forward and back over a shaft in ready position (30 sec) 2-Step: Take 2 steps right or left over a shaft, maintaining ready position (30 sec) 4 Squares: Work a 4-hop pattern over 2 intersecting shafts (30 sec) Variation: Randomly toss a ball during any drill for a save. Run diagonal patterns on 4 Squares.
Man-Ball
Teach team ground ball fundamentals and man-ball communication. Set up 3 defensive lines and 2 offensive lines on the sideline, all facing midfield. Coach rolls a ball into the midfield area. On the whistle, players sprint to the ball. Within 3 yards, players call "man" (check the opponent away) or "ball" (go for the pickup). After one team gains possession, complete 1 pass before returning the ball to the coach. Variation: Have players start on their stomachs or facing away from the ball to force them to locate it on the turn.
Bears drill
X1 receives pass from goalie then passes to X2 who is already ahead. X2 runs to Half boards (HB). X1 sets pick on invisible defender, opens looking for pass. X2 uses pick and cuts top, passes to X1 for a shot. **Run this with 2 lines at both ends** Evolution: have 2 lines out and a third line on the bench. When X2 passes center, X3 exits front doors and runs in, X2 passes to X3 for a shot. ***Second evolution: coach is in corner and passes to X1 for another shot at goal. Goalie is saving from both sides of court. Coach waits until X3 has released their shot. Goalies need to pay attention.
5v5
Work 5v5 situations in the half field. 5 offensive players vs 5 defenders. Coach starts play with a ground ball or pass. Play until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Variation: Defense clears all saves or takeaways out of the box. Add passing requirements or other skill constraints.
Steal the Bacon
A ball is placed at midfield and the players are divided into two teams. Each team spreads out along opposing lines about 25 yards away from the ball (or around the circle). Each player has a number and the numbers on one team coincide with those on the other. The coach calls a number and the two players who have those numbers sprint for the ball in the center. The player who picks up the ball must then cradle and cross his own line when a point is scored. Keep score for a fun end of practice game for youth teams!