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Equipment, Setup & Instructions

Equipment

Setup

Area: Approximately 6x10 yard area (line of 5-6 hurdles spaced 1 yard apart, with 5 yards from the last hurdle to the coach)
Goals: None
Group GK: 1 yellow goalkeeper positioned at the start of the hurdle line, ready to work through the hurdles toward the coach
Coach: 1 grey coach positioned 5 yards beyond the last hurdle with a supply of balls
Equipment: 5-6 training hurdles set in a straight line approximately 1 yard apart, cones (optional) marking the goalkeeper's start position at the beginning of the hurdle line

Instructions

On the coach's command, the goalkeeper performs a footwork skill over or around the hurdles - single-leg steps, single-leg hops, two-leg hops, or in-and-out shuffles.
As the goalkeeper clears the last hurdle, they set their feet and move into a ready position with hands up and knees slightly bent.
The coach drop-kicks a ball toward the goalkeeper's hands.
The goalkeeper catches the ball, passes it back to the coach, and returns to the ready position.
The coach rolls a ball to the goalkeeper's right side.
The goalkeeper dives to make the save, returns the ball to the coach, and resets into the ready position.
The coach rolls a ball to the goalkeeper's left side.
The goalkeeper dives to make the save, returns the ball to the coach, then walks back to the start of the hurdle line to repeat the sequence.

Coaching Points

Emphasise quick, light steps through the hurdles rather than rushing and losing control
Ensure the goalkeeper fully sets their feet in a ready position before each shot or roll
Hands should be up and ready, not down by the sides, coming out of the hurdles
Knees should stay slightly bent to allow an explosive first step in either direction
Watch for goalkeepers cutting the ball off with their body on dives, not just reaching with hands
Encourage a quick, controlled recovery to standing after each dive
Focus on accurate distribution back to the coach to build good habits under fatigue
Vary the footwork pattern called each rep to keep the goalkeeper reacting, not anticipating
Watch that hurdle technique doesn't break down as fatigue increases through the session
Ensure the goalkeeper's first movement toward the ball is efficient, not a false step
Keep reps sharp and short rather than long, to maintain quality footwork
Reinforce that footwork through hurdles should carry directly into save readiness, not be treated as separate from it

Variations

Make it harder:

• Increase the number of hurdles or reduce the spacing between them

• Increase the power and variety of drop-kicks and rolls to demand faster reactions

• Add a second goalkeeper working in competitive rotation to increase intensity

Make it easier:

• Reduce the number of hurdles to 3-4

• Slow the footwork pace and allow the goalkeeper more time to reset before each shot

Goalkeeper Footwork and Reaction Drill

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