GOALKEEPER TRAINING DRILLS FOR UNDER 12: Everything You Need to Know
Goalkeeper training drills for under 12 is an essential part of a young goalkeeper's development, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to excel in their position. By introducing goalkeeper training drills to children at a young age, you can help them develop good habits, improve their technique, and reduce the risk of injury. In this article, we'll cover the best goalkeeper training drills for under 12, including tips on how to approach training and the benefits of each drill.
Drill 1: Diving and Punching
Diving and punching are crucial skills for goalkeepers to master, and can be practiced using a variety of drills. One effective drill is to have the goalkeeper lie on their side, with their feet shoulder-width apart, and have a teammate kick the ball into the air towards them. The goalkeeper should try to catch the ball with their hands, keeping their arms straight and their elbows in. This will help build their reaction time and hand-eye coordination. To add a layer of complexity, you can introduce a second teammate who kicks the ball from a different angle, forcing the goalkeeper to move and adjust their diving position. This drill can be repeated with the goalkeeper standing or lying on their stomach, depending on their comfort level and the difficulty you want to introduce. As they become more confident, you can increase the speed and distance of the kicks, making it more challenging for the goalkeeper to react.Drill 2: Throwing and Catching
Throwing and catching are essential skills for goalkeepers to master, and can be practiced using a variety of drills. One effective drill is to have the goalkeeper stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, and have a teammate stand a short distance away. The teammate should throw the ball to the goalkeeper, who should try to catch it with both hands. This will help build their hand-eye coordination and reaction time. To add a layer of complexity, you can introduce different throwing styles, such as long and short throws, or throws from different angles. You can also add a second teammate who distracts the goalkeeper with a second ball, forcing them to focus and concentrate. This drill can be repeated with the goalkeeper standing or moving, depending on their comfort level and the difficulty you want to introduce.Drill 3: Footwork and Agility
Footwork and agility are essential skills for goalkeepers to master, and can be practiced using a variety of drills. One effective drill is to set up a series of cones or markers in a zigzag pattern, and have the goalkeeper weave through them while moving towards the goal. This will help build their agility and reaction time. To add a layer of complexity, you can introduce different types of footwork, such as shuffling, carioca drills, or figure-eights. You can also add a second teammate who kicks the ball towards the goalkeeper, forcing them to react and move quickly. This drill can be repeated with the goalkeeper standing or moving, depending on their comfort level and the difficulty you want to introduce.Drill 4: Wall Ball Training
Wall ball training is an effective way to improve a goalkeeper's hand-eye coordination and reaction time. To set up this drill, find a sturdy wall or target with a rebound surface. The goalkeeper should stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, and have a teammate stand behind them. The teammate should hit the ball against the wall or target, forcing the goalkeeper to react and catch the ball. To add a layer of complexity, you can introduce different types of shots, such as long and short shots, or shots from different angles. You can also add a second teammate who distracts the goalkeeper with a second ball, forcing them to focus and concentrate. This drill can be repeated with the goalkeeper standing or moving, depending on their comfort level and the difficulty you want to introduce.Drill 5: Small-Sided Games
Small-sided games are an effective way to improve a goalkeeper's decision-making and reaction time. To set up this drill, divide the players into small teams of 2-3, and have them play a game of 3v3 or 4v4. The goalkeeper should be forced to make decisions quickly, using their reaction time and decision-making skills to make saves. To add a layer of complexity, you can introduce different rules, such as having the goalkeeper play with their non-dominant foot, or having the opposing team try to score from long range. This drill can be repeated with the goalkeeper standing or moving, depending on their comfort level and the difficulty you want to introduce.| Drill | Age Group | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Drill 1: Diving and Punching | 6-12 | Improves reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and diving technique |
| Drill 2: Throwing and Catching | 7-12 | Improves hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and catching technique |
| Drill 3: Footwork and Agility | 8-12 | Improves agility, reaction time, and footwork technique |
| Drill 4: Wall Ball Training | 9-12 | Improves hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and catching technique |
| Drill 5: Small-Sided Games | 10-12 | Improves decision-making, reaction time, and game awareness |
By incorporating these drills into your goalkeeper training program, you can help young goalkeepers build the skills and confidence they need to excel in their position. Remember to always provide positive feedback and encouragement, and adjust the difficulty level based on the child's comfort level and ability. With consistent practice and patience, your young goalkeeper will be well on their way to becoming a skilled and confident goalkeeper.
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Drills for Ball Control and Distribution
Ball control and distribution are fundamental skills for goalkeepers, allowing them to effectively manage the ball and initiate counter-attacks. Drills that focus on these aspects can be highly beneficial for under-12 goalkeepers.
One effective drill is the "Dribbling Through Cones" exercise. This involves setting up cones in a zig-zag pattern and having the goalkeeper weave through them while maintaining control of the ball. The drill can be modified by adding additional cones or increasing the distance between them to challenge the goalkeeper's agility and ball control.
Another drill is the "Wall Pass" exercise. This involves setting up a series of small goals or targets, with the goalkeeper starting at one end and passing the ball to a teammate at the other end. The teammate then returns the pass, and the goalkeeper repeats the process, focusing on accurate and quick distribution.
Drills for Shot Stopping and Reflexes
Shot stopping and reflexes are critical skills for goalkeepers, requiring quick reactions and accurate saves. Drills that simulate game-like situations can help under-12 goalkeepers develop these skills.
One effective drill is the "Volleys and Half-Volleys" exercise. This involves having a teammate shoot the ball from various distances and angles, with the goalkeeper reacting to make saves. The drill can be modified by adding additional shooters or increasing the speed and accuracy of the shots.
Another drill is the "Reaction Saves" exercise. This involves setting up a series of targets or small goals, with the goalkeeper standing behind them. A teammate then shoots the ball from a distance, and the goalkeeper must react quickly to make a save.
Drills for Decision-Making and Communication
Decision-making and communication are essential skills for goalkeepers, requiring them to read the game and coordinate with their teammates. Drills that simulate game-like situations can help under-12 goalkeepers develop these skills.
One effective drill is the "Game Situations" exercise. This involves setting up a series of game-like scenarios, with the goalkeeper and their teammates working together to respond to different situations. The drill can be modified by adding additional players or increasing the complexity of the scenarios.
Another drill is the "Communication Drill" exercise. This involves having the goalkeeper work with their teammates to communicate and coordinate their actions during a game-like scenario. The drill can be modified by adding additional players or increasing the speed and accuracy of the communication.
Drills for Agility and Endurance
Agility and endurance are critical components of a goalkeeper's physical fitness, requiring them to be quick and nimble on their feet. Drills that focus on these aspects can be highly beneficial for under-12 goalkeepers.
One effective drill is the "Shuttle Run" exercise. This involves setting up two lines of cones, with the goalkeeper starting at one end and running back and forth between them. The drill can be modified by adding additional cones or increasing the distance between them to challenge the goalkeeper's agility and endurance.
Another drill is the "Figure-Eights" exercise. This involves setting up cones in a figure-eight pattern, with the goalkeeper running through them while maintaining good posture and balance. The drill can be modified by adding additional cones or increasing the speed and agility required.
Comparison of Drills for Under-12 Goalkeepers
| Drill | Age Group | Focus | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dribbling Through Cones | Under-12 | Ball control and distribution | Medium |
| Wall Pass | Under-12 | Ball control and distribution | Medium |
| Volleys and Half-Volleys | Under-12 | Shot stopping and reflexes | High |
| Reaction Saves | Under-12 | Shot stopping and reflexes | High |
| Game Situations | Under-12 | Decision-making and communication | High |
| Communication Drill | Under-12 | Decision-making and communication | Medium |
| Shuttle Run | Under-12 | Agility and endurance | Medium |
| Figure-Eights | Under-12 | Agility and endurance | Medium |
When selecting drills for under-12 goalkeepers, it's essential to consider their age, skill level, and physical abilities. The drills outlined above can be modified to suit the needs of individual goalkeepers, and coaches should aim to create a balanced training program that addresses all aspects of the goalkeeper's game.
By incorporating a variety of drills into their training sessions, coaches can help under-12 goalkeepers develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed on the pitch. With a focus on ball control, shot stopping, decision-making, and physical fitness, goalkeepers can become a valuable asset to their team and develop a lifelong love of the game.
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