How to Coach a Goalkeeping Drill in Kids' Soccer

Teaching goalkeeping requires specialist work, but you can introduce it to everyone on your team by playing the following game.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Try a game called "Tippee-Onee." It gives players the choice between goalkeeping or shooting. Emphasize the goalkeeping aspect of this game.

2. Divide your players into pairs and have them stand about 25 yards apart. Each pair should have a small, six- to seven-yard goal area at either end of the playing area.

3. Place the ball about three yards beyond the goal line, and have one player try to score a goal on the other.

4. Allow the defender one touch - or "tippee" - to either catch or control the ball.

5. Have the player who can control the ball then kick it from the point at which he or she stopped it, provided the player doesn't go over the halfway line (about 12 yards).

6. Let the defender who chooses to catch the ball drop it at that spot and try to score a goal on the opponent.

Tips & Warnings

• Make everyone a goalkeeper at some point - kids love to fall or dive for the ball.

• Begin basic technical goalkeeping training at about age 11 or 12.

• Get help, especially if someone shows great enthusiasm for goalkeeping and you feel unqualified to teach it.

• Soccer is a physically demanding sport that could result in serious injury. We strongly encourage you to seek proper equipment and training before undertaking this activity.