Goalkeeper angles soccer drill: where to stand
In this goalkeeper drill, the keeper moves to stand on the line between the ball and the center of the goal as servers in three places take turns to shoot gently. It trains positioning: being in the right spot, a step or two off the goal line, before the shot is taken.
Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.
Goalkeeper angles: setup diagram
At a glance
| Detail | For this drill |
|---|---|
| Ages | U10 to U12 (ages 9 to 12) |
| Players | Groups of 4: one keeper, three servers |
| Space | 25 x 18 yd (23 x 16 m) |
| Equipment | One goal; 3 balls; cones or a rope to show the angle |
| Time | 10 minutes |
| Skill | Goalkeeping basics |
Change the size of the area to fit your group: bigger makes it easier for the player with the ball, smaller makes it harder. Everyone who goes out comes straight back in, and nobody runs laps.
How to run it
- Three servers stand 10 yards from goal: left, center and right. Each has a ball.
- Show the line: stretch a rope, or walk, from the ball to the middle of the goal. The keeper stands on that line, a step or two off the goal line.
- The coach calls a server’s name. The keeper moves across with side steps, gets on the line and gets set.
- The server waits for the keeper to be set, then passes the ball firmly along the ground at the goal. The keeper saves, and rolls it back.
- Later the servers pass the ball to each other first, and the keeper moves with every pass.
Coaching points to say out loud
- “Ball, you, middle of the goal: one line.”
- “Move as the ball moves.”
- “Come off your line a little.”
- “Set before the shot.”
Make it easier or harder
Easier
Use only two servers and let the keeper take their time.
Harder
The server may dribble two steps to either side before shooting, so the keeper must adjust again.
Common mistakes
- Standing in the middle of the goal whatever the ball does, which leaves the near side open.
- Staying on the goal line. A step or two forward makes the goal look smaller to the shooter.
- Coming so far out that a pass to another attacker leaves the goal empty.
Why it matters in a game
Our futsal lesson on keeper position teaches the same adjustment: change your depth to the attacker’s threat, and to whether a defender still provides cover. Good positioning makes saves look easy.
The lesson that teaches it: Keeper: Defend the Goal or the Space.
Questions about Goalkeeper angles
Where should a goalkeeper stand?
On an imaginary line from the ball to the middle of the goal, usually a step or two in front of the goal line, so both sides of the goal are equally covered.
What does narrowing the angle mean?
Stepping toward the ball so that the keeper’s body blocks more of the goal from the shooter’s view. A little goes a long way.
Are these shots safe for young keepers?
In this drill the ball is passed along the ground from ten yards, only after the keeper is set. Power is not the point; position is.
Lessons that teach this idea
- Keeper: Defend the Goal or the Space (Futsal lesson)Adjust the goalkeeper’s depth to the attacker’s threat and whether a defender still provides cover.
- Watch What Happens After the Shot (7v7 lesson)A wide midfielder reads a loose rebound or a goalkeeper’s controlled ball before deciding whether to approach or recover.
- Protect the Far-Post Runner (Futsal lesson)The far-side defender checks the runner instead of joining the ball; responsibilities reverse when the ball switches.
Related drills and guides
- Goalkeeper footwork and set position (drill)It trains quick side steps and being still and ready at the moment of the shot.
- Goalkeeper catching: W and basket (drill)It trains safe hands, and getting the body behind the ball as a second barrier.
- Goalkeeper distribution (drill)It trains accurate distribution, and choosing the teammate who is free.
- 2v1 to goal (drill)It trains the main decision of attacking with an extra player: dribble at the defender, then pass if they come to you or keep going if they do not.
- Goalkeeper in soccerThe job, the skills and where to stand
- Soccer field size by ageField, goal and game length for each age group
- Center back in soccerThe defender who protects the middle
- U10 soccer drills for 9 and 10 year oldsTen drills for 9 and 10 year olds: rondos, first touch, 2v1 and first goalkeeping
- U12 soccer drills for 11 and 12 year oldsTen drills for 11 and 12 year olds: 4v2 rondos, possession, defending in pairs and finishing
- Soccer goalkeeper drills for kidsSet position, catching, angles and distribution for U10 and U12, with soft service
- All goalkeeping basics drillsFootwork, safe hands and starting the attack. From U10, with soft service.
Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.