Warm the Line
Rolls driven along the six-yard line from both sides — the handling-and-feet warm-up every session should open with.
Step 1 of 3·Scoop behind the ball, little fingers together
Set-up
Server 12 yards out with a stack of balls; goalkeeper on the goal line. Two cone markers set the six-yard line's working edges.
By age group
- U7-U8
- Underarm tosses instead of rolls; working line shortened to eight yards.
Run it in order
- 1
Server rolls the first ball firmly along the six-yard line, slightly to the goalkeeper's right.
- 2
Keeper shuffle-steps across, scoops cleanly into the chest, and returns the ball in two touches.
- 3
Next roll goes to the opposite side — the keeper shuffles back immediately.
- 4
Ten rolls per side, then the server strikes a firm one to finish the set.
Coaching points
Shuffle don't cross the feet — the feet never pass each other.
Get the body behind the ball: scoop with the little fingers together.
Eyes through the ball all the way into the hands.
First touch with feet after a save is soft — it sets your distribution.
Progressions
- Server alternates roll and firm strike without warning.
- Add a second server on the opposite side — balls arrive from both flanks.
Make it easier
- Slower rolls and a shorter working line.
More goalkeeping
All drills- Penalty area
GK Handling Circuit
A three-station handling circuit around the penalty spot — shuffles, sets and clean catches from both sides, the handling base every young keeper needs.
4+ players 12 minFoundationGoalkeepingU9-U10U11-U12 - Half pitch
Roll & Go Distribution
The goalkeeper receives under mild pressure, scans, rolls to a pivot and starts an attack — because the first pass of every counter is the keeper's.
6+ players 15 minDevelopmentGoalkeepingU13-U14U15-U16 - Breakaway
GK Breakaway 1v1s
Strikers break one-on-one and the goalkeeper learns the three save states — hold, advance, spread — until the right call is instinct.
5+ players 15 minDevelopmentGoalkeepingU11-U12U13-U14U15-U16