Drills · Goalkeeping

    Handball goalkeeper drills

    Goalkeeper drills for handball — reaction saves, angle play against wings, and positioning on the one-on-one breakaway.

    Reaction saves — near and far

    Fast reactions and correct save shape to both corners.

    AgeU12+Players1–4Time8–10 minIntensityHigh

    Set-up

    Shooters at nine metres with a stack of balls; goalkeeper set in the middle of the goal.

    How it runs

    1. Shooters fire in a steady rhythm to alternating corners.
    2. The goalkeeper reacts with hand and foot to the same side, staying tall.
    3. Increase the tempo as the keeper's timing improves.

    Coaching points

    • Meet the ball — reach toward the shot, don't wait for it.
    • High saves with the hand, low saves with hand and leg together.
    • Reset to a balanced set position between every shot.

    Narrowing the angle on the wing

    Correct starting position and angle against wing shots.

    AgeU13+Players1–6Time8–12 minIntensityMedium

    Set-up

    A wing shooter working from one flank; goalkeeper starting at the near post.

    How it runs

    1. As the wing jumps in, the goalkeeper steps off the near post to cut the angle.
    2. The keeper shows the wing the far corner, then covers it.
    3. Repeat from both wings.

    Coaching points

    • Come out to meet the shooter — make yourself big and close the near post.
    • Read the shooter's hips and shoulder for the target.
    • Stay tall; wings often shoot high to far corner from the angle.

    One-on-one breakaway positioning

    Reading and saving the fast-break one-on-one.

    AgeU14+Players2–6Time10–12 minIntensityHigh

    Set-up

    An attacker breaking from centre court; goalkeeper starting on the goal line.

    How it runs

    1. The attacker drives in on a breakaway; the goalkeeper advances to meet them.
    2. The keeper holds position and delays committing until the attacker shows the shot.
    3. Vary attacker finishes — lob, low shot, one more step — so the keeper reads, not guesses.

    Coaching points

    • Advance early, then slow down — be set when the shot comes.
    • Stay big and patient; don't dive first and give the shooter the goal.
    • Watch the ball and the hips, not the eyes or the fakes.

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