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7 goalkeeper drills for kids under 12
Seven simple drills for young goalkeepers that need only a ball, a wall and a few cones. Each one builds a skill a goalkeeper uses in every game.
By Claysson De Lima , Head coach · Published
Young goalkeepers improve fastest with short, frequent practice. These seven drills need only a ball, a wall and a few cones, and every one builds a skill your goalkeeper uses in real games.
1. Ready position check
What it teaches: a balanced set position before every shot.
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, weight on the front of the feet, hands in front of the body. A parent calls “set!” and the goalkeeper jumps into position. Repeat 10 times and check that heels are slightly off the ground.
2. Wall catches
What it teaches: clean handling and the W hand shape.
Throw the ball against a wall from 2 to 3 meters and catch it at chest height with thumbs and index fingers forming a W behind the ball. Do 3 sets of 15. As the goalkeeper improves, move closer or throw harder.
3. Scoop the low ball
What it teaches: securing ground balls safely.
Roll the ball toward the goalkeeper. They bend forward, put their hands down with the little fingers close together, scoop the ball into the chest and stand up. Do 10 from the front, then 10 slightly to each side.
4. Side shuffle and catch
What it teaches: footwork across the goal.
Place two cones 3 meters apart. The goalkeeper shuffles side to side without crossing the feet. On “ball!”, a parent tosses a ball to chest height and the goalkeeper sets and catches. Do 3 rounds of 30 seconds.
5. Kneeling dive
What it teaches: safe diving, landing on the side, not the belly or elbows.
On grass, the goalkeeper kneels and the ball is rolled slowly to one side. They fall sideways, hands on the ball, landing on the hip and side of the body. Do 5 each side. Only move to standing dives when this looks smooth and confident.
6. Reaction turn
What it teaches: reaction speed and recovering into set position.
The goalkeeper faces away from the parent. On “turn!”, they spin, set and catch a soft throw. Start slow and close, then speed up.
7. Throw and roll distribution
What it teaches: starting the attack.
Practice rolling the ball accurately to a cone 10 meters away, then overarm throws to a cone 15 meters away. Count how many land within one step of the target.
Keeping it safe and fun
- Always practice diving on soft ground.
- Stop before the goalkeeper gets tired; tired technique becomes bad habits.
- Praise effort and good technique, not only saves.
In our academy, goalkeepers ages 6 to 12 work on these skills every week in small groups, with a coach correcting each repetition.