Goalkeeper Drills for Football

A good goalkeeper wins points. These goalkeeper drills develop the core skills — shot stopping, handling, footwork and positioning — with the coaching points that matter.

The goalkeeper's core skills

Goalkeeping is a specialist role built on a few key skills: a set, ready position; clean handling; quick footwork; good positioning; and confident distribution. These drills work on each in turn.

Drill 1: Set position and handling

Serve shots and throws straight at the keeper who must set their feet, get their body behind the ball and catch cleanly into a strong 'W' or scoop. The foundation of everything.

• Get into a balanced, ready 'set' position before the shot.
• Body behind the ball wherever possible.
• Catch with strong, confident hands — no fumbles.

Drill 2: Footwork and angles

The keeper shuffles across the goal to save shots from different angles, getting set before each one. Coach small, quick steps and getting the body behind the ball.

Drill 3: Low and high shots

Mix low shots (getting down quickly with the correct technique) and higher shots (catching or tipping over). Add a light pressure to build match realism.

• Get down early for low shots — hands behind the ball.
• Tip high shots over the bar, don't try to catch everything.
• Reset quickly and stay big.

Coaching points & safety

Keep serves age-appropriate and safe — build up power gradually. Praise good technique and positioning, not just spectacular saves. Warm the hands up properly first.

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