📅 6-Week Block · U11–U14

6-Week Goalkeeping Block (U11–U14)

Six weeks dedicated to developing a goalkeeper for U11–U14 — the position most grassroots clubs neglect entirely. From the ready stance and footwork through to commanding the box and distributing to start attacks. Give your keeper the coaching outfield players take for granted.

📅How this block works

Run one focus per week across six weeks. Each week builds on the last, so by week six the concepts combine naturally in match play. Every week links to ready-to-run drills from the library — print the plan or share it to your team WhatsApp. Week six is always assessment: play, observe, and let the habits show.

Week 1

Ready position and footwork

The foundation. The set position, the small steps to track the ball, and staying balanced and ready to move in any direction.

This week's drills U11–adultGK Reaction Saves→U12–adultHigh Ball Claiming→U11–U12Low Diving Save→

Week 2

Shot-stopping technique

Handling, the basic dive, and getting the body behind the ball. Clean catches and safe parries before anything fancy.

This week's drills U10–U14Low Diving Saves→U13–adultGK Long Distribution→U14–U15Penalty Saving→

Week 3

Positioning and angles

Where to stand. Narrowing the angle, the relationship to the goal, and reading where the shot is coming from.

This week's drills U12–adultGK Command of the Box→U12–U13GK Footwork and Short Distribution→U13–adultGK Penalty Technique→

Week 4

Dealing with crosses

Commanding the box. The decision to come or stay, the catch at the highest point, and communicating with defenders.

This week's drills U13–U14Commanding the Area — Crosses→U10–adultGK Positioning and Angle Play→U13–U14GK 1v1 — Coming Off the Line→

Week 5

Distribution

Starting the attack. Throwing, rolling, and kicking with purpose — the modern keeper is the first attacker.

This week's drills U10–U11GK Set Position and Angles→U11–U12GK First Touch — Distribution from a Save→U12–U13Reflex Reactions — Close-Range Saves→

Week 6

Match integration

Assessment week. The keeper in a game context — positioning, command, and distribution under real pressure.

This week's drills U12–adultCounter-Attack Transition SSG→U11–U124v4 Transition Goals→U12–U13Pressing Trigger SSG→