Positioning: the 6-yard rule
A goalkeeper's starting position is determined by the distance of the threat. As a rule of thumb: position yourself at a distance from goal equal to the ball's distance from goal, up to 6 yards max.
A shot from 18 yards = position 6 yards off your line (maximum depth). A shot from 12 yards = position 4 yards off. A shot from 8 yards = position 2 yards off.
Why? Because at very close range, you want to be closer to the kicker (to take up more space) but also to be ready to smother the ball if they rush you.
The narrow angle principle
When an attacker is running at you, your job is to close down the space they can shoot into. Narrow the angle by moving off your line. Move towards the ball, not away from it.
Most grassroots keepers back up when attacked. Don't. Come forward.
Footwork: ready position
Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, weight on the balls of your feet (not heels). This is your starting position for every situation.
Movement: Small side-steps to track the ball. Don't cross your feet. Side-step left, side-step right. This keeps you balanced and ready to move in any direction instantly.
Breathing: Breathe. Sounds obvious, but anxious keepers hold their breath. Regular breathing keeps you calm and ready.
Footwork: the movement patterns
For a shot from outside the box: Move laterally (side to side) tracking the ball. Hands up. Stay big.
For a through-ball: Come off your line quickly (sprint). Cover the space between you and the attacker. Reach the ball before they do, or at the same time.
For a cross: Stay on your line initially. Only come out if you're confident you can reach it before an attacker. If not, stay back and defend the goal line.
For a corner: Position near the back post (not on it). You're the sweeper. If the ball gets past your defenders, you're the last line. Don't rush out.
The most common error
Staying too far off the goal line. Inexperienced keepers think being far off = more saves. It's the opposite. You're easier to beat at distance. Stay close enough to the goal that an attacker has to be accurate, not just in roughly the right direction.
Age progression
U9–U10: Positioning and ready stance. Catching comfortable shots. Punching if uncomfortable.
U11–U12: Add footwork transitions (movement patterns). Improve distribution. Introduction to 1v1 saves (rushing out, narrowing angle).
U13+: Add diving technique (only after position/footwork are solid). Advanced distribution (long throws, kicks). Dealing with pressure.
Coaching positioning during a live session
Positioning is hard to coach with words alone — a young keeper often can't feel the difference between two yards off the line and four until they've stood in both spots and seen a shot go past. Rather than shouting instructions mid-session, pause the drill occasionally and physically walk the keeper to where you'd want them, then have the shooter go again from the same spot so they can feel the difference in coverage. A few repetitions like this teach positioning faster than a season of "get off your line" shouted from the touchline.
Positioning isn't only the goalkeeper's job
A keeper can only do so much if the team in front of them isn't helping. Defenders who don't communicate the shooter's angle, or who stand directly in the keeper's eyeline as a shot comes in, undo good positioning before the ball is even struck. Build a habit of the nearest defender calling out whether they're covering the near or far side, so the keeper knows which half of the goal is genuinely theirs to defend.