U10 Practice Plan - Introduction to Goalkeeping

Set Up:

Create two 30x20yd fields with a 2yd goal on each endline. Divide players into four teams and play 3v3. Play two-minute games, and rotate teams after every game to play a new one. Encourage the teams to keep score, and try to beat each team they play.

Coaching Points:

None. Let the players play and make mistakes. Only intervene if it is taking them too long to get ball back in play.

Set Up:

Two teams play 5 v 5, looking to advance the ball into an end zone to score a point. The ball can only be thrown from player to player. When a player catches the ball, he can pivot in place, but he can not move off of the spot. teams score by throwing to a teammate who catches ball in endzone. Players cannot enter endzone until ball is thrown. If the ball hits the ground, the other team gets it. The defenders can intercept the ball or knock it to the ground to get possession, but they cannot knock it out of someone’s hands (like ultimate Frisbee).

Coaching Points:

1.  When the ball is above the shoulder, players should make a contour catch, forming a ‘W’ with their hands behind ball.

2.  When the ball is below their neck, they should basket catch, scooping the ball up and bringing it into the chest.

3.  Look the ball all the way into the hands to secure it.

Progressions:

1.  Score by tipping a high ball (above the shoulders) to a teammate in the end zone.

Set Up:

• Players are in pairs with one ball.

• Each player has a goal to defend (3 yds. wide), and the goals are 6 yds. apart. They can be further away/closer depending on the players' ability. Have extra soccer balls close by.

• Players try to score on the opponent, but only with an underhand throw. Ball must be below shoulder height to count as a goal, and the attacker must be standing between his own goal posts.

• Play for 1 minute. Ask who won and switch partners to play again.

Coaching Points:

• GKs need to move their feet to get their body behind the ball.

• The ready position for GK's id knees bent, up on the toes, chest forward. The hands need to be at hip height with palms facing the shooter.

• Encourage quick play to catch the opposing GK off-guard.

Set Up:

Two teams play 3v3, with two large goals set up on each end line along with two GKs. An 18 yard line runs across the entire width of the field. Normal soccer rules apply, except no corners. Use goal kicks instead of corners. Each goal counts as 1pt. Encourage the use of the goalkeepers to play backwards and help keep possession. GKs must stay in their own goal during play. 

Coaching Points:

1.  The GKs must direct his players constantly during play.

2.  Always make the calls on loose balls of "Keeper" or "Away". 

3.  GKs should always look to the opposite side first when looking to distribute.

Progressions:

1.  Three points are awarded when a GK leaves his goal area and scores.

Set Up:

• Play 5v5. If your numbers are short, decrease size of field to 30x20 and play 4v4.

• Cones for goals are 5yds wide and use goalkeepers.

Coaching Points:

None. Just sit back and let them play. Help remind them of the rules for their age group: offside, thrown-ins, goalkicks and corners. Place a few cones down to divide the field into thirds to mark the ‘Build-out Line,’ and show them what they need to do when the GK has the ball.