Football · Goalkeeping · Build-up play

Goalkeeper distribution: throws and kicks

Keepers practise the roll, the overarm throw and the drop-kick into target zones at short, middle and long range.

GKP1P2P3
Start / 6
Time
15 min
Players
4–6
Age
U12+
Area
Half pitch
Equipment
1 goal8 balls12 cones

Setup

  1. Keeper in goal with spare balls in the net.
  2. Three target zones about 8 × 8 m: near (15 m, wide), middle (25 m) and far (40 m).
  3. One player in each zone; they control and send the ball back.

How it runs

  1. P1 plays the ball into GK's hands to start each rep.
  2. GK rolls to the near zone, throws overarm to the middle zone and drop-kicks to the far zone.
  3. A ball the target controls inside the zone scores a point. 10 balls each, then swap keepers.

Coaching points

  • Roll: get low, step towards the target and let go at ground level so it doesn't bounce.
  • Overarm: side-on, straight arm over the top, step and follow through at the target.
  • Drop-kick: drop the ball, don't toss it; strike as it lands, head still, ankle locked.
  • Pick the one that is quickest and easiest for the receiver to control.

Common mistakes

  • Rolling from standing height, so the ball bounces.
  • Tossing the ball up before kicking.
  • Looping throws that hang in the air.

Say it: “Low roll, straight arm, drop don't toss.”

Make it harder

  • A defender in each zone, so the keeper must find the free target.
  • Release within three seconds of the catch.

Make it easier

  • Shorten the zones to 10, 20 and 30 m.
  • Allow a bounce on the roll.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.