⚽ Goalkeeping

Everyone Keeps Goal

FA Future Fit at U7-U8 explicitly mandates rotating goalkeepers — no specialists, every player takes a turn.

Total18 min Age– Players6 Setup3 min Run15 min Level

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Everyone Keeps Goal — full pitch view

🎯

The one cue that matters

Set position with weight balanced and ready to move

◆Why this drill works

FA Future Fit at U7-U8 explicitly mandates rotating goalkeepers — no specialists, every player takes a turn. The problem: most U7s have never made a save, so when their turn comes they freeze and concede a soft one, then dread the next rotation. This drill builds basic save confidence in a low-stakes setting. The keeper faces gentle rolled balls (not shots) and learns the only thing that matters at this age: get something — hands, body, foot, anything — between the ball and the goal. Technique is irrelevant; presence is everything. Once a U7 makes one save, they're hooked.

▦The drill in three phases

1Setup

Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.

2Action

Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.

3Finish

The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.

Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot

▶How to run it

Set up a mini-goal. Place two cones 6 yards out, 4 yards apart — that's the shooting gate. Three players queue at the gate with one ball. One keeper in goal.
Keeper stands in front of the goal — feet shoulder-width, hands ready, eyes on the ball. Coach demonstrates the only cue: 'see the ball, get something in the way'.
First shooter ROLLS (doesn't kick) the ball at the goal — slow, no spin. Keeper makes the save. After 1 save, keeper rotates out, next shooter becomes keeper, the previous keeper becomes a shooter.
After 4 minutes, upgrade to GENTLE kicked shots along the ground. Coach controls the pace: 'soft kicks only — give the keeper a chance'. If a keeper concedes 2 in a row, drop back to rolls for them specifically.
After 7 minutes, add 'aim': shooter calls 'left' or 'right' before shooting. Now the keeper has to react to direction. Build excitement, not pressure.
Last 2 minutes, swap to a 'GK quiz': coach holds up the ball, asks 'where would you put your hands?'. Each keeper gets a turn answering and demonstrating. Embeds the cue without fatigue.

✓Equipment checklist

✦Coaching points

Praise when you see

Set position with weight balanced and ready to move
Hands behind the ball as a second barrier

Correct when you see

Slow distribution letting the opposition recover
Staying on the line when coming out would narrow the angle

★Kit for this drill — top picks compared

Pick	Product	Best for
Top pick	Goalkeeper Gloves (youth)	Grip and protection for keepers.	Check price →
Value	Training Footballs (6-pack)	Shot-stopping reps.	Check price →
Upgrade	Agility Ladder	Footwork and reactions.	Check price →

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?Frequently asked questions

What age group is Everyone Keeps Goal suitable for?

This drill suits youth. Scale the power and distance of service to the keeper's age and ability.

How many players do I need for Everyone Keeps Goal?

This drill works well with around 6 players. With fewer, reduce the groups or rotate players through; with more, set up multiple stations so everyone stays active rather than queuing.

How long does Everyone Keeps Goal take?

Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 15 minutes to run it — about 18 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.

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