Rapid Reaction Drill

Instructions

1. 1S1 steps forward and GK shifts to cover the upper angle
2. 2S1 fires a standing shot — GK reacts and moves into the ball path
3. 3GK recovers to center as S2 shoots from the lower flank
4. 4GK shuffles laterally to block S2, then resets to center again
5. 5S3 shoots from straight on — GK steps out and blocks centrally

Coaching Points

• After each block, snap back to the center line of the goal — do not wait to see if the shot goes in
• Keep hands in front of the body at all times between shots; a hanging arm cannot save the next ball
• Focus on the hip of the shooter, not the ball — the hip rotation tells you where the shot is going
• Short, lateral shuffle steps to reset — do not cross your feet or you get stuck in the middle
• Stay mentally on after each save; mentally celebrating a block is how the next shot beats you

Common Mistakes

• Dropping hands between saves instead of keeping them in the ready position
• Crossing feet during lateral recovery which slows down repositioning
• Watching the ball after a save instead of immediately looking for the next shooter
• Resetting to dead center instead of positioning on the bisector for the next shooter
• Standing too upright between saves — knees should stay bent and loaded