Gafferbook
Goalkeeping ยท U7 to U14

Ready position and catching

The coach serves from close range to the keeper's chest, body and feet. Builds the ready position and the three basic catching shapes.

U7 to U14Ages
1 to 4 keepersPlayers
Goal or cone goalArea
10 to 15 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

โž• Put it in tonight's session๐Ÿ—“ Build my season around itโœ๏ธ Make my own version

Set-up

  • Keeper in a goal (or cone goal 4 to 5 m wide).
  • Coach 6 to 8 m away with a ball.

Equipment: Goal or cones, balls

How it works

  1. Keeper starts in the ready position: feet shoulder-width, knees bent, hands ready, weight on toes.
  2. Coach throws or volleys to chest (W shape), above head and low (scoop).
  3. Ten serves each, then swap.

Coaching points

  • Get your body behind the ball.
  • Fingers spread, thumbs nearly touching for the W catch.
  • Bring the ball into your chest after catching.
  • Reset the ready position before every serve.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • Underarm throws
  • Softer ball

Make it harder

  • Volleyed serves
  • Add a step to the side before the catch

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

Questions about this drill?

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