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Goalkeeping Program
Four Pillars of Goalkeeping
Technical
Tactical
Mental
Physical
field player skills
decision making
mental stimulation
fitness
set and stance position
pass back tactics
self-awareness
catching and handling
proper positioning
and angles
self-analysis
proper warm-up and
cool-down
tipping and parrying
breakaway saves
distribution and goal
kicks
starting position
sweeper-keeper
reading the field
diving saves
organization
crosses
anticipation
leadership
maturity
training ethics
confidence and courage
composure under
pressure
flexibility and
coordination
high tempo training
strength and agility
proper nutrition
injury prevention
Goalkeeping Curriculum
U10-U12
Goalkeepers in this age group should be introduced to the basic fundamentals of goalkeeping
technique and preventing injuries.
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Three basic catches: Low ball scoop, basket catch and contour catch
(diamond or w shape)
Goalkeeper stance: Body parts forward (chin, shoulders, hands, knees), body weight on
balls of feet, and balance neutral
Footwork: Proper angles, quick feet, and keep body low
Collapse diving: Technique of collapsing to both sides of the body, ball hits first, elbow
tucked under, landing on the side of the body, ball placed in front of the goalkeeper’s
face, knees bent, body in a forward motion, and three hand catching technique
Basic distribution techniques: Underhand roll, throw, kick and punt
Rules of the goalkeeper: Penalty kicks, and use of hands vs. feet
U12-U14
Goalkeepers in this age group should be able to consistently make saves from a ball struck from
medium pace, collapse dive to either side with proper technique, use correct form on
breakaways, use correct form on high ball saves, and appropriate footwork on placement in the
penalty box (18 yard box) and goal box (6 yard box). Communication and distribution will be
heavily emphasized, as well as the techniques below. Goalkeepers at this age must develop
strong verbal and leadership characteristics. There should be fewer “soft” goals given up in
training and games.
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Three basic catches: Low ball scoop, basket catch and contour catch
(diamond or w shape)
Goalkeeper stance and correct footwork across the goal: Body parts forward (chin,
shoulders, hands, knees), body weight on balls of feet, and balance neutral
Breakaway fundamentals: Short step vs. long step, hands by the sides of the
goalkeeper’s feet, nose in front of toes in the crouching position, and forward step into
the collapse dive form
High ball save: Correct footwork, jumping with both legs, arms bent, catching ball above
the forehead in “diamond or window” shape, catching on top of the ball, catching ball in
front of you and not directly above your head
Distribution from feet: Pass backs, punts, and goal kicks
Distribution from hands: Underhand roll and overhand sling toss
Positioning: String attached to goalkeeper for ball position inside the penalty box and
goal box, set pieces, and attacking support
Deflections: Crossover steps, turning for balls overhead, and low hand vs. top hand
Leadership: When and how to communicate, and organizing defense
U14-U16
Goalkeepers in this age group should be able to consistently make saves from a ball struck with
pace, collapse dive to either side with proper technique, use correct form on breakaways, use
correct form on high ball saves, and appropriate footwork on placement in the penalty box (18
yard box) and goal box (6 yard box). Emphasis on having an ‘on field personality’ and strong
leadership.
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Three basic catches: Low ball scoop, basket catch and contour catch
(diamond or w shape preferred)
Goalkeeper stance and correct footwork across the goal: Body parts forward (chin,
shoulders, hands, knees), body weight on balls of feet, and balance neutral
Breakaway fundamentals: Short step vs. long step, hands by the sides of the
goalkeeper’s feet, nose in front of toes in the crouching position, and forward step into
the collapse dive form
High ball save: Correct footwork, jumping with both legs, arms bent, catching ball above
the forehead in “diamond or window” shape, catching on top of the ball, catching ball in
front of you and not directly above your head
High ball punches: Correct form on two hand and one hand punches, correct footwork
to and from punch; height, width, distance, and accuracy
Back to the bar: Drop step, crossover step, and power step
Distribution from feet: Pass backs, punts, and goal kicks
Distribution from hands: Underhand roll and overhand sling toss
Positioning: String attached to goalkeeper for ball position inside the penalty box and
goal box, set pieces, and attacking support
Power dives: Proper shuffling technique, power step explosion, opposite driving leg
across the body, and two hands to the ball
Deflections: Crossover steps, turning for balls overhead, and low hand vs. top hand
Communication to defenders: Becoming the last line of defense and first line of
offense, coaching the defensive strategy on the field, placing players in the correct
positions on free kicks, learning when and how to communicate, how to train, short
memory, and off field habits
Problem solver: Using positioning and coaching to solve potentially dangerous attacks
Personality: Positive attitude and tremendous confidence no matter the situation, and
developing a ‘presence’ in goal
U16-U18
Goalkeepers in this age group should become comfortable with all aspects of the goalkeeping
position including comfort receiving back passes from their teammates. They should also be able
to hold onto the ball and distribute consistently in an effective, accurate manner. Understanding
tactics and moments of the game will be addressed during team training. Repetition and gamelike situations will be emphasized.
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Three basic catches: Low ball scoop, basket catch and contour catch
(w shape preferred)
Goalkeeper stance and correct footwork across the goal: Body parts forward (chin,
shoulders, hands, knees), body weight on balls of feet, and balance neutral
Breakaway fundamentals: Short step vs. long step, hands by the sides of the
goalkeeper’s feet, nose in front of toes in the crouching position, and forward step into
the collapse dive form
High ball save: Correct footwork, jumping with both legs, arms bent, catching ball above
the forehead in “diamond or window” shape, catching on top of the ball, catching ball in
front of you and not directly above your head
High ball punches: Correct form on two hand and one hand punches, correct footwork
to and from punch; height, width, distance, and accuracy
Back to the bar: Drop step, crossover step, and power step
Distribution from feet: Pass backs, punts, and goal kicks
Distribution from hands: Underhand roll, sidearm toss, and overhand sling toss
Positioning: String attached to goalkeeper for ball position inside the penalty box and
goal box, set pieces, and attacking support
Power dives: Proper shuffling technique, power step explosion, opposite driving leg
across the body, and two hands to the ball.
Deflections: Crossover steps, turning for balls overhead, and low hand vs. top hand
Communication to defenders: Becoming the last line of defense and first line of
offense, coaching the defensive strategy on the field, placing players in the correct
positions on free kicks, learning when and how to communicate, how to train, short
memory, and off field habits
Problem solver: Using positioning and coaching to solve potentially dangerous attacks
Personality: Positive attitude and tremendous confidence no matter the situation, having
a ‘presence’ in goal
Great angle play and reading of the game on when to come and when to stay.