U11 Goalkeeper Focus Session
Run every 3 weeks. Keepers improve measurably; outfielders learn what they're seeing.
▦Session blocks
Arrival Pairs
A simple pass-and-receive warm-up in pairs as players arrive, getting early touches on the ball before the group is complete.
GK Fundamentals — Set and Save
Basic goalkeeper shape work — the ready position, getting the body behind the ball, and a clean base save technique — before any movement or pace is added.
GK Distribution — Play Out from the Back
Goalkeepers practise rolling, throwing, and kicking the ball to a specific target, building the habit of picking out a player rather than clearing the ball long under pressure.
GK Angles & Positioning
Goalkeepers work on narrowing the angle as an attacker approaches, learning to close down space early rather than waiting on the goal line.
Goalkeeper 1v1 Saves
Keepers face a series of one-on-one situations, working on when to stay big and stand up versus when to commit and go to ground.
1v1 vs Keeper
Outfield players take turns attacking the keeper in a 1v1, practising composure in front of goal while the keeper gets realistic shot-stopping reps.
Counter-Attack Transition Game
A possession game with a sudden-transition trigger, so the goalkeepers who have just been working on distribution get game-realistic reps of playing out under pressure the moment possession is won.
◆What you'll need from yourself
Clear demonstrations and high energy. Keep the session moving with minimal queuing, and reinforce one or two key coaching points rather than overloading players with information.
!Common problems
Players standing in queues (set up enough stations to keep everyone active) and the session running too long on one activity (keep blocks tight and move on while engagement is high).