Football · Goalkeeping
Goalkeeper coaching.
Eight drills, five sessions, and one complete guide — covering U7 through U16. Built for coaches who didn't play in goal and have never done goalkeeper coaching training. Everything here assumes you're working solo with limited time.
Age progression
U7–U8
Everyone keeps goal.
Rotate every player. No specialist. Focus: basic shape and catching confidence.
U9–U10
Set position and 1v1s.
Introduce set position, hand shape, and coming off the line in 1v1 situations.
U11–U12
Angles, distribution, 1v1s.
Angle reduction, starting position, quick distribution, and the full 1v1 repertoire.
U13+
Crosses, communication, build-out.
Decision-making under pressure, commanding crosses, playing out from the back.
Five principles before you start
Don't shout goalkeeper instructions during matches. The keeper is making decisions at speed under pressure. Post-match or in training is when teaching happens.
Rotate the position at U7–U11. Every player should experience the position. From U12, fix a regular keeper — but maintain a backup.
Ten focused minutes per session beats one dedicated GK session per month. Run the warm-up sequence below while the outfield squad does their own warm-up.
Angle play is the highest-return GK skill at grassroots level. It requires no athleticism — just correct positioning. Teach it explicitly; most coaches never do.
Don't use the goalkeeper as a punishment. 'You'll be in goal today' as a disciplinary measure teaches the position is inferior. It isn't.
All goalkeeper drills
U7–U9 · 12 min
Everyone Keeps Goal
U7-U8 don't have specialist keepers — they take turns.
U9–U16 · 18 min
GK Fundamentals — Set and Save
Set position, hand shape, controlled dives. The GK fundamentals every grassroots keeper needs.
U9–U12 · 10 min
GK Handling and Distribution — First Skills
Three handling techniques and three distribution techniques drilled in 10 minutes.
U11–U14 · 10 min
GK 1v1 Saves — Set and Hold
Three types of save drilled in 10 minutes: the set-and-hold (ball caught cleanly).
U11–U16 · 12 min
GK Angles — Come Off the Line
GK practises advancing off the line to narrow the angle when a striker runs through.
U11–U18 · 18 min
GK Distribution — Play Out from the Back
Build attacks from the keeper. Calm under pressure.
U11–U14 · 12 min
GK Quick Distribution — Roll, Throw, Punt
Three distribution types drilled in sequence with named targets at three distances.
U12–U16 · 15 min
GK Angles and 1v1s
Goalkeeper starting positions and 1v1 decisions.
U13–adult · 12 min
GK Crosses — Claim or Punch
GK drills the three responses to an incoming cross: claim (catch it), punch (clear it), or stay.
U13–U18 · 18 min
GK Crosses — Coming for the Ball
Decision, communication, contact. The three skills every keeper needs when crosses come in.
U13–adult · 12 min
GK Reaction Saves — Close-Range Sequence
Three feeders at 8 yards, one in the central zone.
U14–adult · 15 min
GK Footwork and Distribution — Feet Under Pressure
GK receives back passes under simulated press, controls cleanly with feet.
Goalkeeper sessions
U9–U10 GK Introduction
At U9–U10, no child should be a permanent goalkeeper. This session is for whoever is in goal that week — run it as a par
U11 GK Specialist Session
Process over outcome. A keeper who catches a 'wrong' shot with bad technique is reinforcing bad habits. A keeper who use
U11 Goalkeeper Focus Session
Keeper-centred 75 minutes. Distribution → angles → 1v1 saves → live game. Outfielders rotate through GK roles where appr
U13 GK — Crosses & Communication
Decision and communication. A keeper who comes for crosses with conviction — even when they don't always catch — is more
U13 GK — Positioning Focus
Position, then save. Most grassroots GKs are reactive — they wait for the shot then react. The session reframes goalkeep
Guide · 7 min read
Goalkeeper coaching basics: what every grassroots coach needs to know
The five things U10–U13 goalkeepers actually need. The 10-minute warm-up sequence. What not to do. For coaches who never played in goal and have no GK training.
Read the guide →Goalkeeper kit
Gloves matter more than most coaches think — the latex palm is the entire point. Replace when the palm goes shiny, not when the glove falls apart. Don't spend more than £30 until the keeper is U14+ and committed to the position.
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?FAQ
What is Goalkeeper coaching.?
Eight drills, five sessions, and one complete guide — covering U7 through U16. Built for coaches who didn't play in goal and have never done goalkeeper coaching training. Everything here assumes you're working solo with limited time.
Is this free to use on SimpleDrills?
Yes — all coaching content on SimpleDrills, including this page, is free to view, print, and use with your team.