There are three ways for a goalkeeper to distribute the ball: punting, throwing or rolling. Today, let’s concentrate on the one used for short distances and accuracy: rolling.
This will not be the hardest skill to master, but the key is deciding when to use it and when to create distance between yourself and the ball. As a goalkeeper, you have an important decision as to how your team starts its attack.
Generally speaking, roll the ball when you can accurately reach a teammate within 10-20 yards of you. The problem with rolling is a lack of power, and anything longer than 10-20 yards will allow an opponent to react to it.
Weather can also be a factor. On wet or muddy fields, adjust the strength of your throws accordingly.
The Roll
Learn to grip the ball for the roll by holding the ball in the palm of your hand. Unlike bowling where the ball is too heavy to do this and softball where it is small enough to grip, the ball as you swing your arm back may be held in place with your forearm.
With the ball in the palm of your strongest hand, put your other leg in front bending at the knee. This is important as it will keep you lower to the ground.
Swing your arm through to release the ball when it is level with your front foot.
The most important thing is to keep the ball on the ground. Releasing too far in front of your foot may lead to a bouncing ball that is difficult for a teammate to control.
Drills
Stand in the six-yard-box and set three sets of cones to your left, right and center. You can practice rolling the ball between the cones for accuracy.
Use the same drill but have players shoot from where you are aiming for the cones. This will aid your reaction time while teaching them how to one-time their shots.
Have a coach or a fellow player call out “punt, throw or roll” every time you make a save in practice so you have to quickly decide how to distribute. Have the player shoot the ball. If you make the save, the player calls out a method of distribution. (you also make him retrieve the ball) This will help you make decisions faster.
Start your defenders behind the goal line and have them sprint up the field. Practice rolling the ball to them so they trap it in stride.
