This drill is for kids who want to play goalkeeper. Rolling balls come at keepers all the time. They have to bend down, stay soft with their hands, and pick it up cleanly.
What you need: A goal. A soccer ball. Open space.
Setup: Goalkeeper is in the goal. You stand 15 feet away with a ball.
How to run it:
- Roll the ball slowly toward the keeper along the ground.
- Keeper watches the ball come (See).
- Keeper bends at the waist and knees, getting low.
- Keeper scoops the ball with soft hands, cushioning the rolling motion.
- Keeper holds the ball to their chest.
- Do 10 rolls.
What to watch: Are the hands soft and relaxed? Or tense and stiff? Soft hands catch cleanly. Stiff hands let it bounce away.
If they’re struggling: Roll slower. Get closer.
If they’ve got it: Roll from different angles. Not straight at them.