How to Train Yourself to Deflect Shots Better
As a goalkeeper, one of the most important skills you need to have is the ability to deflect shots. Deflecting shots means using your hands or feet to parry the ball away from the goal, instead of trying to catch it. This can help you deal with powerful, unpredictable, or out-of-reach shots that are too hard or risky to catch. Deflecting shots can also help you avoid giving away rebounds or corners, and start counterattacks for your team. But how can you train yourself to deflect shots better? In this article, we will give you some drills and tips that can help you improve your shot-deflecting skills.
Drills for Deflecting Shots
There are many drills that can help you practice and improve your shot-deflecting skills. Here are some examples of drills that you can do by yourself or with a partner.
- Deflect and Dive. For this drill, have a partner shoot low to one side, where you’ll dive and try to block the shot. Then, have them shoot high to the other side, where you’ll get up quickly and try to deflect the shot over the bar. Repeat this sequence for 10-15 repetitions, then switch sides. This drill will help you improve your agility, reflexes, and technique for deflecting shots with power.
- Cross Judgment. For this drill, have a partner cross the ball from different angles and distances into the box, where you’ll try to judge whether to catch it or deflect it. If you decide to catch it, make sure you secure it firmly and safely. If you decide to deflect it, make sure you direct it away from danger and out of play. Repeat this drill for 10-15 repetitions, then switch sides. This drill will help you improve your decision-making, positioning, and technique for deflecting shots with finesse.
- Hand-Eye Coordination. For this drill, have a partner stand behind the goal with a supply of balls. Have them throw the balls over the goal at different heights and speeds, where you’ll try to deflect them with your hands or feet. You can also use a rebounder or a wall to bounce the balls over the goal. Repeat this drill for 10-15 repetitions, then switch sides. This drill will help you improve your hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and technique for deflecting shots with different body parts.
- Moving With the Ball. For this drill, have a partner stand at the top of the box with a supply of balls. Have them dribble towards the goal and shoot at different angles and distances, where you’ll try to deflect the shots with your hands or feet. You can also use cones or markers to create different shooting zones for your partner. Repeat this drill for 10-15 repetitions, then switch sides. This drill will help you improve your footwork, positioning, and technique for deflecting shots while moving with the ball.
- Footwork. For this drill, set up two cones or markers about 10 yards apart on the goal line. Start at one cone and shuffle sideways to the other cone as fast as you can, while keeping your body facing forward and your knees bent. When you reach the other cone, have a partner shoot at the goal from anywhere on the field, where you’ll try to deflect the shot with your hands or feet. Repeat this drill for 10-15 repetitions, then switch directions. This drill will help you improve your footwork, agility, and technique for deflecting shots from different angles.
Tips for Deflecting Shots
In addition to doing drills, there are some tips that can help you deflect shots better in games.
- Use the correct technique. Depending on the situation, you may need to use different techniques to deflect shots. For example, you should use an open palm or a closed fist to parry shots with power, a fingertip save or a scoop save to parry shots with finesse, or a foot save or a block save to parry shots with your feet. You should also use both hands or both feet whenever possible to increase your chances of making contact with the ball.
- Position yourself well. Your positioning can make a big difference in your ability to deflect shots. You should always try to stay on your feet and keep your body balanced and ready. You should also try to narrow the angle and reduce the space for the shooter by coming off your line when appropriate. You should also try to cover as much of the goal as possible by adjusting your stance and posture according to the situation.
- Anticipate the shot. Your anticipation can help you react faster and better to shots. You should always try to read the game and predict what the shooter will do based on their body language, position, movement, and options. You should also try to watch the ball closely and track its flight and direction. You should also try to communicate with your defenders and organize your backline.
- Make smart decisions. Your decision-making can determine whether you deflect a shot successfully or not. You should always try to assess the situation and choose the best option based on various factors, such as the speed, distance, angle, height, spin, and deflection of the shot, as well as the position of your defenders, attackers, and teammates. You should also try to deflect the ball away from danger and avoid giving away rebounds or corners.
Conclusion
Deflecting shots is a skill that can help you save your team from conceding goals. By doing drills and following tips, you can train yourself to deflect shots better and become a more reliable and confident goalkeeper.