Play / Positions / Goalkeeper
Six weeks as a goalkeeper
Keepers are the first attacker and the last defender. These weeks build safe hands first, then your feet, then the big decisions: when to come and when to stay.
Each week runs from on your own to with others to a real match moment. Move on when you can do the check at the end of the week, not before. Two weeks on one is fine.
Week one
Safe hands
Catch the ball cleanly and get your body behind it.
- With a friendGoalkeeper handling10 minutes. You and a friend.
- In a matchOne against the keeperPlay it through as your position.
You have got it when Ten catches in a row from a friend's throws, with no spills.
Week two
Feet like an outfielder
Receive with your back foot open so you can pass either way.
- On your ownCushioning the ballTen minutes, most days.
- With the teamTriangle passing10 minutes. Groups of 3 or 4.
- In a matchBeat the pressPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itUse the keeper to switchWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when You can take a pass and play it on in two touches, with either foot.
Week three
Start the attack
Choose short or long, and get the ball out quickly when it is on.
- On your ownThe inside-foot passTen minutes, most days.
- With the teamPlaying out from the goalkeeper15 minutes. 7 to 12, including a goalkeeper.
- In a matchThe keeper starts the counterPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itThe keeper starts the counterWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when In a game, you look up before every pass and roll it out within five seconds when a teammate is free.
Week four
Set your feet
Be set and balanced as the shot is struck.
- With a friendShoot and save12 minutes. You and a friend.
- In a matchThrough on goalPlay it through as your position.
You have got it when Your feet are still, a little apart, when the striker's foot hits the ball.
Week five
One against one
Close the gap, make yourself big, and stay up as long as you can.
- With the team1v1 with the goalkeeper12 minutes. 4 to 12, plus a goalkeeper.
- In a matchOne against the keeperPlay it through as your position.
You have got it when In 1v1 practice, the striker has to beat you rather than you diving early.
Week six
Own your box
Call early and come for crosses and corners you can reach.
- With the teamLow crosses and cut-backs15 minutes. 6 to 12, plus a goalkeeper.
- In a matchDefend a cornerPlay it through as your position.
- The idea behind itDefending cornersWhat the whole team is doing.
You have got it when Your teammates hear "keeper" or "away" before every cross.
After six weeks
Go back to week one and do the checks again. Then try a week from the position next to yours: a centre-back who knows a holding midfielder's job, or a winger who knows a full-back's, is the player coaches want.
Back to the goalkeeper guide Next: six weeks as a centre-back
Practise in a safe space with an adult nearby, and warm up first. If anything hurts, stop.