Goalkeeping drills for U8–U9
Distribution and communication first. Shot-stopping second. — built for U8–U9.
Fundamentals: handling, set position, and basic distribution.
13 drills for U8–U9 · Goalkeeping drills · 5v5, 7v7
U7–Adults
Everyone Keeps Goal
FA Future Fit at U7-U8 explicitly mandates rotating goalkeepers — no specialists, every player takes a turn. The problem...
U7–Adults
GK 1v1 Saves — Set and Hold
Most U11–U13 goalkeepers can stop straightforward shots but have poor hand technique — they parry when they should catch...
U7–Adults
GK Angles and 1v1s
A goalkeeper who stands on their goal line gives away 2–3 goals per season that a correctly positioned keeper saves with...
U7–Adults
GK Angles — Come Off the Line
The most common U11–U14 goalkeeper error is staying on the goal line when an attacker has a 1v1 opportunity. A GK on the...
U7–Adults
GK Crosses — Claim or Punch
Crosses are the most common scoring moments goalkeepers face after 1v1s, and the most poorly drilled at grassroots level...
U7–Adults
GK Crosses — Coming for the Ball
Coming for crosses is the goalkeeping skill that separates capable U13 keepers from confident ones. The decision (come o...
U7–Adults
GK Distribution — Play Out from the Back
Modern goalkeeping demands distribution that builds attacks. The lump-it-long instinct is a confidence problem dressed u...
U7–Adults
GK Footwork and Distribution — Feet Under Pressure
The modern goalkeeper at U14+ is expected to play with their feet as a ball-playing outfield player when the team builds...
U7–Adults
GK Fundamentals — Set and Save
Goalkeeping at grassroots is desperately under-coached. Most clubs have one keeper per team, and they often don't get sp...
U7–Adults
GK Handling and Distribution — First Skills
Goalkeepers at U9–U11 in 5v5 and 7v7 formats often have no specific GK training — they pick up the position when it's th...
U7–Adults
GK Quick Distribution — Roll, Throw, Punt
Most U11–U13 goalkeepers default to one distribution method — usually a punt — regardless of the situation. A rolled bal...
U7–Adults
GK Reaction Saves — Close-Range Sequence
Match-realistic shot-stopping requires fast reset between saves — a goalkeeper who takes 3 seconds to recover after a di...
U7–U10
⚡ GK Set Position and Ready Stance
The ready stance — weight forward, hands at hip height, eyes on the ball — is the foundation of all goalkeeping. A GK wh...