Get started with the m-station rebounder and become the goalkeeper you always wanted to be. Improve your reflexes as a goalkeeper through these drills to channel your inner Manuel Neuer.
REACH NEXT-LEVEL GOALKEEPING WITH ENHANCED REFLEXES
Goalkeeping takes reflexes, handling, aerial skills, positioning, anticipation, determination, and a large amount of courage. No one masters all these skills, but you should always seek to improve on every single one of them – especially reflexes.
To improve your reflexes, always be on the tip of your toes; it is significantly easier to keep the ball out of the goal if you are always ready to jump or change direction.
WATCH VIDEO: Goalkeeper training with m-station in Arsenal
1. CLOSE-UP SHOT BLOCKING
A goalkeeper relies heavily on the ability to stop shots. Good positioning is important, but strong reflexes are usually referred to as a keeper’s most critical tool. Immediate reactions are crucial in any competitive game. Start this drill off with your back to the rebounder.
Step 1: With your back to the net, bend over and throw the ball toward the net between your legs
Step 2: Immediately turn around while maintaining your balance and keeping your hands in front of you
Step 3: Catch the ball while trying to keep your body well behind it
Repeat and keep trying to find the perfect balance when you make the turn in Step 2.
Difficulty: 3 out of 3
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2. AERIAL DIVE AND CATCH
Having the right technique for aerial diving and catching can make the difference between a save and a goal. Having the right stance and jumping with the right movement is essential for all goalkeepers.
Start this drill by making a pass to the rebounder. The intensity with which you pass the ball will determine the intensity of this drill.
Step 1: Place your weight on the front of your feet and keep your hands in front of you
Step 2: Allow the ball to bounce off the net and prepare to jump wherever the ball may return
Step 3: Determine where the ball is returning, leap in that direction, and reach for the ball with both hands
Step 4: The foot closest to the ball should point diagonal-forward as you jump
Step 5: Try to move slightly forward as you leap for the ball
Make sure to practice leaping in both directions. Technique is key in this drill. Before you increase the intensity, make sure that you can execute the drill correctly.
Difficulty: 2 out of 3
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3. DIVE AND TIP
Being able to dive and save the ball with proper technique is important not only for winning matches, but also for ensuring your safety. Avoid getting hurt and prevent goals and dangerous rebounds with this drill. Start by playing the ball to the rebounder.
Step 1: Place your weight on the front of your feet and keep your hands in front of you
Step 2: When you dive for the ball, drag the hand closest to the ball along the ground
Step 3: The foot closest to the ball should be facing diagonal-forward
Step 4: Try to move slightly forward as you leap for the ball
Step 5: Punch or tip the ball away, directing it between the goal line and the cone
Make sure to practice stopping shots from different angles.
Difficulty: 2 out of 3
If you are looking to improve your goalkeeping reflexes even further, visit our YouTube channel to find more drills.
