📋 Session Plan
U9–U10 GK Introduction
A 45-minute goalkeeper session for U9–U10 squads introducing set position, basic handling, and shot-stopping — the three foundations every rotating keeper
A 45-minute goalkeeper session for U9–U10 squads introducing set position, basic handling, and shot-stopping — the three foundations every rotating keeper
Coach or parent feeder serves the ball by hand — underarm to feet, chest height, either side. GK sets position before each serve. No diving yet. 20 touches. Praise the set position, not the save.
Full drill: set position, weight forward, hands ready. Feeder shoots from 8 yards — central, then left, then right. 10 shots in each position. GK must be in set position before every shot. No sprawling dives — focus on positioning over athleticism.
Attacker starts 10 yards out with the ball. GK starts 2–3 yards off the line. Signal: attacker drives toward goal. GK advances to narrow the angle — don't retreat to the line. 8 reps. The key cue: 'move toward the ball, not away from it.'
GK joins the main squad for the SSG. No specific GK coaching during the game — let them apply what they learned. Watch once for the set position appearing naturally. Mention it specifically in the post-session debrief.
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.
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).
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Coaches tip: Post-session recovery nutrition matters as much as the drills themselves — MaxiNutrition's recovery range is built for exactly this.
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Building conditioning between sessions at home? DeerRun UK's home treadmills make it easy to keep up cardio work off the pitch.