Goalkeeper training drills: Boost reaction speed
Tune up your reflexes and swat away deflected shots with this drill from Andrew Sparkes, Swansea City's head of academy goalkeeping
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RdtPM3Eeb5JdcjganYNmGV.png)
Set up
Position server one at the top of the D with a supply of balls and server two on the penalty spot. Server two must get on his knees with his back to goal, facing server one.
Action
Server one fires a half volley at server two who uses his hands to deflect the goal-bound shot. The goalkeeper has to react to the ball’s change of direction to make the save. Each goalkeeper must face 3-5 sets of six shots.
How it helps
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Improves your ability to anticipate and react to deflected shots so that you’re ready to change direction at speed and make big saves during a game.
Andrew Sparkes is the Head of Academy Goalkeeping at Swansea City. Follow @andrewsparkes1@swansofficial@swans_academy
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