Goalie Shootout

Objectives

To present a challenging situation that demands high caliber shot stopping and accuracy of kicking and throwing.

Organization

• Set up two goals 24 yards apart - if a portable goal is not available use corner flags 8 yards apart for one goal and a fixed goal at the other.
• A 6-yard line is put in front of each goal.
• Neither goalkeeper can come in advance of the 6-yard line to either shoot or save.
• The "shooting" keeper has the choice of throwing, punting, drop kicking or shooting from the ground to score.
• For younger goalkeepers it will be necessary to shorten the distances between the goals (20/22 yards).
• First keeper to score 5 (or 8, or 10) wins.

Coaching Points

• Throwing will give the greatest accuracy and should be encouraged - although throwing is more predictable and not as powerful as kicking.
• Encourage the punt shot as well, which can be powerful and less predictable as it often dips.
• The half-volley kick is probably the most powerful, but usually the least consistent. To give practice in the drop kick however, condition one of the "shoot-outs" to be drop kicks only.
• Encourage keepers to read the type of shot coming in. For instance, with a lobbed throw the keeper must stay near goal line; with a half-volley kick the keeper can quickly move out a step or two to narrow the angle.

ABILITIES DEVELOPED	KC's EMPHASIZED
Good throwing and kicking techniques; shot stopping abilities.	Alert and Alive, Hands, Side Diving, Shape, Set.

Additional Information

The availability (or rather, non-availability) of the right type of equipment and facilities will always be a headache to coaches. The chance of having portable goals here, there and everywhere is extremely unlikely, so improvisation has to be the key to this type of practice situation.

It has already been suggested that a goal made of corner flags can be set up 6 yards outside the penalty area of a regulation field.

Alternatively, to retain realism and authenticity, goalkeepers can take turns using one regulation sized goal. Five shots each and then switch, using the existing field markings and the 18-yard line as the limit for shooting.

 

Age Suitability

Age	Suitable	Comments
6-11	NO	Not ready for this yet.
12-15	YES	Good practice except that regulation goals may still be too big for many goalkeepers in this age. Score 3 points for a goal below head height, 1 point for a goal above head height.
16+	YES	Very challenging situation for team goalkeepers, where they can practice with minimal supervision.