Goalkeeper distribution soccer drill: roll, throw and pass
In this goalkeeper drill, the keeper collects a ball and sends it to a teammate standing in one of three cone gates, by rolling it, throwing it or passing it with the foot. It trains accurate distribution, and choosing the teammate who is free.
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 distribution: setup diagram
At a glance
| Detail | For this drill |
|---|---|
| Ages | U10 to U12 (ages 9 to 12) |
| Players | Groups of 4: one keeper, three targets |
| Space | 30 x 25 yd (27 x 23 m) |
| Equipment | Balls; 6 cones for three gates; a goal or two cones |
| 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 gates: one 12 yards away on each side and one 18 yards away in the middle. A target player stands in each.
- A target passes the ball gently to the keeper, who gathers it.
- Roll: bowl the ball underarm along the ground to a side gate. The target takes a first touch forward through the gate.
- Throw: an overarm or side-arm throw to the far gate, landing at the target’s feet. Pass: put the ball down and pass with the inside of the foot.
- Add a defender who stands near one target. The keeper must look up and choose a free one. Rotate keepers every six balls.
Coaching points to say out loud
- “Look first, then deliver.”
- “To feet, on the ground when you can.”
- “Roll it like a bowling ball.”
- “Free player, not the nearest player.”
Make it easier or harder
Easier
Rolls only, to gates 8 yards away.
Harder
Two defenders mark two of the three targets and move just before the keeper releases.
Common mistakes
- A bouncing roll that is hard to control. Let go of the ball low, near the ground.
- Sending the ball to a marked teammate in front of goal.
- Punting it long every time. In 7v7 punts are not allowed, and a short accurate ball keeps possession.
Why it matters in a game
The save is half the job. Our futsal lesson on the goalkeeper’s release teaches the reading: tell a nearby marked outlet from a clear receiver farther away. In 7v7 the build-out line gives the keeper time to make that choice.
The lesson that teaches it: Keeper Regain: Release Beyond the Press.
Questions about Goalkeeper distribution
What is distribution in goalkeeping?
How the goalkeeper gives the ball to a teammate after a save or a pass back: a roll, a throw, a pass with the foot or, in older age groups, a kick from the hands.
Can goalkeepers punt in 7v7?
Not under U.S. Soccer’s small-sided standards. In 7v7 the goalkeeper may not punt or drop-kick the ball, so rolling, throwing and passing are the skills to learn.
How long can a goalkeeper hold the ball?
The Laws limit how long a goalkeeper may hold the ball in their hands, and the limit changed recently. Check the current rule with your league or referee.
Lessons that teach this idea
- Keeper Regain: Release Beyond the Press (Futsal lesson)After winning possession, distinguish a nearby marked outlet from a clear receiver beyond the first press.
- Your Keeper Can Help (7v7 lesson)Pass back to your keeper when the way is clear. The keeper must play it with their feet, not hands. If it's covered, pick another teammate.
- Goal Kick & Build-Out Line (7v7 lesson)On our goal kick, the other team waits behind the build-out line. Once the ball is kicked and moves, they can come and press.
- Two Options for a Restart (9v9 lesson)On our goal kick, two defenders split wide so the keeper always has an open short pass.
Related drills and guides
- Build-out game (drill)It trains playing out from the back: defenders getting wide, a midfielder showing for the ball, and the goalkeeper joining in with their feet.
- Goalkeeper catching: W and basket (drill)It trains safe hands, and getting the body behind the ball as a second barrier.
- Goalkeeper footwork and set position (drill)It trains quick side steps and being still and ready at the moment of the shot.
- Goalkeeper angles (drill)It trains positioning: being in the right spot, a step or two off the goal line, before the shot is taken.
- Goalkeeper in soccerThe job, the skills and where to stand
- The build-out line in 7v7Why the other team backs off on a goal kick
- The goal kick ruleHow play restarts from the goal area
- The back-pass ruleWhen the goalkeeper must use their feet
- 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.