⚽ Goalkeeping
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.
GK Angles — Come Off the Line — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Quick distribution to start the attack
◆Why this drill works
The most common U11–U14 goalkeeper error is staying on the goal line when an attacker has a 1v1 opportunity. A GK on the line gives the attacker the whole goal to aim at. A GK who advances 3–4 yards narrows the visible target to a fraction of the original. This drill trains the advancing movement as a reflex — the moment a 1v1 is established, the GK comes forward, not stays back.
▦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
- GK starts on their goal line, central.
- Feeder dribbles to cone C (central, 12 yards). GK advances to the edge of the 6-yard box, sets position.
- Feeder shoots. GK saves or yields. GK must not retreat to the line after advancing.
- Repeat from cone L (left channel). GK advances and angles to narrow the near post.
- Repeat from cone R (right channel). GK advances and angles near post.
- Run 4 reps from each cone. Progression: feeder dribbles slowly, then at walking pace, then at jogging pace.
✓Equipment checklist
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Quick distribution to start the attack
- Commanding the area and communicating with defenders
- Narrowing the angle before the shot
Correct when you see
- Going to ground too early in a 1v1 — stay big and patient
- Standing tall and reaching late — get into the set position early
- Spilling the ball forward — catch it or parry it wide
★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 GK Angles — Come Off the Line 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 GK Angles — Come Off the Line?
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 GK Angles — Come Off the Line 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.