Field Hockey Goalkeeper Drills

These field hockey goalkeeper drills work agility and coordination. Goal keeping in field hockey is a rough job. Being agile and quick on your feet is important as is lateral movement. These drills will help you along the way to becoming a better all around goalie.

1. 2 on 1 Shot Blocking Drill: Line balls up along the circle edge. Have two players line up to take shots. Place the goalie in the net and commence the drill. Each shooter takes turns shooting on goal. The shots should be in rapid succession but allow the goalie to regain position if they are out of position. Safety is of concern in this drill as is working the agility and responsiveness of the goalie. Work thirty shots form each side on this drill.
2. Dive and Stuff Drill: This drill involves the goalie and a shooter. Line up at least twenty balls for this drill. The idea is for the goalie to shuffle either right to left. When they reach the right/left post they are to tap it with their stick to signal the shooter to shoot. You want the shooter at least twenty yards back to enable the goalie to have time to react and dive in for the stuff. The shooter will aim for the opposite lower corner and fire away. The goalie is to shuffle that direction and dive to stuff the shot.
3. Triangle Drill: Line up three players up against the goalie: two across from each other about ten yards from the goal and the third player at the top of the circle. The players will pass the ball back and forth in any fashion they desire. The goalie must move and follow the ball in anticipation of a shot. The player that receives the ball and believes the goalie is out of position will fire off a shot. Run this drill for five minutes, alternating goalies if there is more than one.
4. Full Gear Ladder Run Drill: With the goalie in full gear, set up the speed and agility ladder. The goalie, with stick in hand, is to maneuver the ladder at full speed forward and backwards. After three minutes of running, move the ladder between the posts. Here the goalie is to run the speed and agility ladder laterally. Sprinkle in shots on goal to this drill as the goalie picks up lateral movement confidence. This is a fantastic agility drill for the goalie and will enhance their lateral movement speed.
5. Stick Drill: The stick is a prime defensive weapon for the goalie. The use of toe and heel will aid in the defense of shots. In this drill, the goalie will use only the heel or toe of the stick to stop a shot. First, they are to set the stick on the ground in front of them until a shot is taken. Shots must be at least twenty yards out. The goalie will pick up the stick and utilize the toe or heel to stop the shot. Drills should last for twenty shots and increase as skill level increases.