Goalkeeping for grassroots football coaches
Everything we have on goalkeeping — in one place.
Goalkeeping sessions build the modern keeper's full toolkit — handling, shot-stopping, command of the area, distribution with feet, set-piece organisation. This page collects every goalkeeping drill, session, and article from the SimpleDrills library into a single hub — 12 drills, 5 session plans, 0 background articles.
12drills·5sessions · Ages U7–adult
The goalkeeping philosophy
Grassroots goalkeeping coaching is uneven — most volunteer coaches are uncertain about how to develop a GK. The SimpleDrills goalkeeping library covers the modern keeper's full toolkit: handling, shot-stopping, command of the area, distribution with feet, set-piece organisation. Rotation matters at younger ages; specialism legitimately takes hold from U10. The phrase 'goalkeeper union' captures the underrated value of training two GKs together when you can.
12 goalkeeping drills
Drills focused on goalkeeping as the primary technical or tactical theme. Each drill includes setup, run time, equipment, and age range.
Everyone Keeps Goal
FA Future Fit at U7-U8 explicitly mandates rotating goalkeepers — no specialists, every player takes a turn. T…
GK Fundamentals — Set and Save
Goalkeeping at grassroots is desperately under-coached. Most clubs have one keeper per team, and they often do…
GK Handling and Distribution — First Skills
Goalkeepers at U9–U11 in 5v5 and 7v7 formats often have no specific GK training — they pick up the position wh…
GK 1v1 Saves — Set and Hold
Most U11–U13 goalkeepers can stop straightforward shots but have poor hand technique — they parry when they sh…
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. A…
GK Distribution — Play Out from the Back
Modern goalkeeping demands distribution that builds attacks. The lump-it-long instinct is a confidence problem…
GK Quick Distribution — Roll, Throw, Punt
Most U11–U13 goalkeepers default to one distribution method — usually a punt — regardless of the situation. A …
GK Angles and 1v1s
A goalkeeper who stands on their goal line gives away 2–3 goals per season that a correctly positioned keeper …
GK Crosses — Claim or Punch
Crosses are the most common scoring moments goalkeepers face after 1v1s, and the most poorly drilled at grassr…
Kit for goalkeeping coaching
Quality grassroots kit for running goalkeeping sessions. Amazon links — OneLink routes you to your local marketplace.
* Amazon affiliate links. SimpleDrills earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.
5 goalkeeping session plans
Full 45–90 minute session plans organised around goalkeeping. Each session is structured into time blocks with coaching cues and equipment lists.
U9–U10 GK Introduction
A 45-minute goalkeeper session for U9–U10 squads introducing set position, basic handling, and shot-stopping — the three…
U11 GK Specialist Session
A 45-minute session dedicated to goalkeeping development — fundamentals, distribution, and a brief handling-under-pressu…
U11 Goalkeeper Focus Session
Run every 3 weeks. Keepers improve measurably; outfielders learn what they're seeing.
U13 GK — Crosses & Communication
A 60-minute goalkeeper-focused session covering aerial work, crosses, and communication — the modern GK skills under-coa…
U13 GK — Positioning Focus
A 60-minute goalkeeping session focused on positioning — angles, line keeping, 1v1 closing — the skills that turn saves …
Coaching goalkeeping from U7 to adult
U7 — Rotate everyone
No permanent GK at U7. Every child experiences being in goal across the season. Basic catching (fingers up, two hands) is the only specialist content. Soft serves only. Don't isolate the GK for specialist work — they'll feel singled out.
U8–U9 — Rotate but notice
Still rotate the GK position, but the most enthusiastic candidates start to emerge. Basic catching, simple shot-stopping, the start of feet-based distribution. 10–15 minutes of GK work per session is plenty.
U10–U11 — Specialism begins
The kids who love the position have made themselves known. Specialist GK content — angles, set position, basic diving — can occupy 30 minutes a week without harming outfield development. Don't lock anyone in; rotation is still helpful.
U12–U13 — Distribution becomes critical
U12 and U13 GKs need to develop distribution as much as shot-stopping. The 9v9 game punishes a GK who can't play out. Throw, roll, drop-kick, goal kick variations all drilled. Specialist GK sessions become valuable.
U14–U18 — Everything matters
Shot-stopping, distribution, command of the area, 1v1 saves, set-piece organisation. Specialist sessions are essential. Match analysis (just talking through last weekend's goals conceded) accelerates development. Train two GKs together when possible.
Adult amateur — Reps over drills
Adult amateur GK coaching is best when the GK is involved in regular SSGs to keep reflexes sharp. Specialist sessions can address specific issues, but the volume of competitive reps matters more than isolated drills.
?FAQ
What is Goalkeeping for grassroots football coaches?
Goalkeeping sessions build the modern keeper's full toolkit — handling, shot-stopping, command of the area, distribution with feet, set-piece organisation. This page collects every goalkeeping drill, session, and article from the SimpleDrills library into a single hub — 12 drills, 5 session plans, 0 background articles.
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.