Two Goal Practise

Objectives

To receive repeated practice in shot-stopping techniques.

Organization

Two goalkeepers work together.
Goals are set up approx. 15-20 yards apart. Use portable goals, cones or corner flags.
Service can be by throwing or kicking (including volleys and half volleys).
Initially start by throwing the ball at one another; then vary service high and low, left and right. Objective should be to test and stretch one another rather than score.
Can be performed with or without supervision.

Coaching Points

Alert and alive at all times.
Aim for top quality work, even on simple stops.
Always get as much body behind the ball as possible - even on simple saves.
On partial saves, recover and respond quickly to complete the save.

ABILITIES DEVELOPED	KC's EMPHASIZED
Reactions, handling, footwork, diving and power diving.	Side Diving, Open, Stay on Feet, AMOB III, Set.

Additional Information

For the youngest players (6-11 years), just catching a high ball is difficult enough. So set up the practice where the keepers are only 3 to 4 yards apart. A good place to start is by practicing a throw-in resulting in a high catch for the receiver.

Before moving into the two goal practice, the Under 12's should start with the Pendulum Roll and the Squat Thrust.

At the other end of the spectrum, the 16+ goalkeepers should be really testing one another with hard shots, deceptive lobs, balls rolled with pace into the corners - always giving the other keeper a chance, but at the same time making it difficult and challenging.

Age Suitability

Age	Suitable	Comments
6-11	YES	Modified Service. Mainly catching and throwing. Have goals only 5 to 6 yards apart, 3 to 4 yards wide at age 6 and 7. Increase distances between players and width of goals with age.
12-15	YES	Excellent basic practice for goalkeepers. Can be done with or without supervision, perhaps when team is practicing for non-goalkeeping activities such as passing and support.
16+	YES	Essential maintenance practice. Now permanent positions have been established, the 2 (or 3) team keepers should spend a large percentage of practice time (20%) in this type of situation.