Through Ball drill

Organization:

Intercept through ball and distribution. 4-6 reps each side

Equipment; balls, large cones or dummies and small goals

The trainer passes or tosses a through ball between the dummies into the box. One attacker goes after the ball, the goalkeeper comes out and tries to intercept the ball. Dive through the ball or come out to jump and claim the ball. After making the save, the goalie throws, passes or rolls the ball into one of the empty goals 2 or '2. 

Change up the service and the gate the ball is being played through. The attackers run onto the ball should also vary during this drill.

Focus Points:

  • Positioning in the goal in relation to the position of the ball.

  • Read the through ball and react appropriately.

  • Proper technique of dealing with a 1v1 situation: when to attack the ball and when to be patient and delay the attacker. Take control of the situation.

  • Attack quickly or be patient.

  • When going to the left, the last large step should be with the left foot. When going to the right, the last large step should be with the right foot.

  • Bring hands to the ball with stretched out arms.

  • Dive on your side and either keep the ball out or secure it on the chest.

  • Keep your head tucked in to protect your face until the attacker is out of the way.

  • BE BRAVE

Distribution:

  • Rolling the ball: Make the last step big, tuck ball in wrist and bring hand and ball far back and step forward with opposite foot. When releasing the ball, the hand should almost touch the ground. Keep the roll flat, no bounces. After the release the hand should point to the target. 

  • Passing the ball: Pass the ball with the inside or top of the into the small goal. When passing through the air, get the foot under the ball. When passing over the ground pass the ball in the heart.  Plant standing foot into the right position next or behind the ball. 

  • Throwing the ball: Tuck the ball in the wrist, bring arm backwards and step forward with opposite foot. Bring stretched arm forward, do not bend elbow, but keep arm straight. Don't throw the ball like in baseball. Release the ball at the right moment: keep ball fairly straight, no big loop through the air. Finish throw with throwing hand pointing to the target.   

Communication:

  • Call out 'KEEPER' when going for the ball.