This drill is for kids who want to play goalkeeper. Air balls require a different technique than ground balls. The keeper catches at chest height, hands behind the ball, and secures it to their body.
What you need: A goal. A soccer ball. Open space.
Setup: Keeper is in the goal. You stand 12 feet away.
How to run it:
- Toss the ball underhand toward the keeper at chest height.
- Keeper watches the ball come (See).
- Keeper positions their hands behind the ball, palms facing the ball.
- Ball arrives. Keeper cushions it to their chest (Cushion).
- Keeper wraps their arms around the ball and holds it secure.
- Do 8 catches.
What to watch: Do the hands go behind the ball or miss it? Hands behind means the ball comes into the chest safely.
If they’re struggling: Toss from closer (8 feet). Lower the toss height.
If they’ve got it: Toss from farther away (15 feet) or higher in the air.