The goal keeper is the only player on the field allowed to catch the ball. The ability to catch the ball is the key to making the easy save. A key part of catching technique is absorbing the shock of the shot.

Step 1. Catching with one hand.

Open practice by catching with one hand. Throw to the keeper's right then to the left. The keeper should concentrate on making contact with the ball early and then absorbing the shock The keeper should really exaggerate the movement of absorbing the shoot. The coach should make sure that the keeper's feet and body remain square to the field.

The drill will help the keeper develop soft hands and the habit of keeping her body square to the field.

Step 2. Catching with two hands

After warming up with one hand catching, the keeper moves to two hand catching. Coach the keeper to catch the ball in front of her body and absorb the shock. Exaggerate the movement of absorbing the shock.

Every time the keeper catches the ball have her stop and check her hands. They should be in a W shape with her index fingers moved slightly in so that a lot of her hand is behind the ball. If the hand position is not correct, she should make the correction before she returns the ball to the coach.

In all these drills the coach should start with easy passes. Then add pace to the tosses to the keeper.