GK Ball

Objectives

Fun game that gives good practice in heading, volleying, supporting play and appreciation of space for field players; opportunity to develop throwing, catching and shot-stopping technique for goalkeepers.

Organization

Work in an area 30 x 35 yards approx. with full sized goals for players 13 years and older.
Improvise goals if two full-sized goals are not available.
Ball can only be moved by throwing to teammate. Players cannot run with the ball. All passes must be caught before touching the ground.
Goals can be scored from a throw to a teammate to head or volley into the net. The ball must not touch the ground before entering the goal.
Interceptions can be made by opposition; everyone can use their hands. Opposition gets possession if ball hits ground.
Partial interceptions can be disputed and claimed by either side by diving on the ball.

Coaching Points

Team in possession must support well.
Far-post positions essential for scoring opportunities.
Near and far-post runs cause confusion to defending team.
Headers easier to score than volleys.
Goalkeepers should always recover to own goal quickly after team loses possession, as they will be key players on the goal line.

ABILITIES DEVELOPED	KC's EMPHASIZED
Good all-round decision making.	All in a general way.

Additional Information

While this is mainly a diversionary type of practice, it not only produces enjoyment, it encourages good team play, supporting play and an understanding of attacking awareness.

From the goalkeeper's perspective, the major benefit, besides the goal mouth situations, is in the collection and use of the ball. Too often when goalkeepers collect the ball in a game they are indecisive. Should they kick or throw the ball quickly? Usually, because of their indecision, they freeze and nothing happens (though they may incur the displeasure of their teammates, not to mention the coach!). Even worse, on certain occasions they can panic and on the spur of the moment throw or roll a risky pass to a player or area close to their goal.

Being comfortable with the ball in the hands, secure in the knowledge that they have the ability to use the ball if they so decide, but composed enough to take their time if they choose to do so, helps the all-round goalkeeping performance.

The GK Ball can be a first-class game at a training camp, soccer school or goalkeeping academy where there is more time than the usual team practice allows.

Age Suitability

Age	Suitable	Comments
6-11	YES	Play with small numbers, two games if necessary, on a small field .
12-15	YES	Good way to start the practice. Do some stretching exercises before commencing .
16+	YES	As for the 12-15. Use as warm-up preceded by stretching .