Close-range reflexes off a rebounder
Balls struck into a rebounder placed 5 m from the keeper to create unpredictable trajectories and train reaction speed and fast hands.
Step 1Golpeo al rebotador
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El entrenador golpea contra el rebotador y el balón sale desviado; el portero reacciona y bloca.
Objective
Improve reaction speed and the quality of hand contact on unexpected balls from close range.
Organisation
Goal area. A rebounder or angled wall 5 m from the goal line, slightly off centre; the coach with 6-8 balls 3-4 m behind the rebounder. Two cones mark an 8 m wide zone for the keeper. One keeper works while another collects balls.
Development
- 1The keeper takes the set position 2 m off the goal line, facing the rebounder.
- 2The coach strikes the ball by foot or hand into the rebounder; the outgoing trajectory is unpredictable in height and direction.
- 3The keeper reacts as soon as the ball leaves the rebounder: catch if the ball comes to the body, parry with the nearest hand if it goes away.
- 4After each save the keeper resets immediately, because the coach serves the next ball within 2-3 seconds.
- 5Sets of 8-10 consecutive balls with 60 seconds of recovery.
- 6Change the angle or position of the rebounder every set to alter the rebounds.
Coaching points4
- Low, active set position with hands at hip height and palms facing the ball.
- Read the ball's contact with the rebounder, not the coach's strike.
- Prioritise a secure catch; parry only when the ball cannot be held.
- Keep the head still and the eyes on the ball throughout its flight.
Common mistakes3
- Guessing the direction before the rebound and losing balance when correcting.
- Reacting backwards with the body instead of attacking the ball forwards.
- Keeping the hands too low or tucked against the body.
Variations3
- Replace the rebounder with a wall or an angled gym bench.
- Serve with two coaches from different angles, alternating without warning.
- The keeper starts facing away and turns on the coach's call before the rebound.
Progressions2
- Bring the rebounder in to 3-4 m and strike harder.
- Add an immediate second ball after the parry to work second actions.
Regressions2
- Move the rebounder out to 7-8 m and strike softer to allow more reaction time.
- Serve by hand into the rebounder with more predictable trajectories.
Tips
- Cap sets at 10 balls: fatigue reduces the quality of the reaction.
- Record the number of clean catches per set to motivate the keeper.