Goalkeeper · Soccer training in Brentwood, CA
Goalkeeper training
Goalkeepers need a different session from field players: ready stance, clean handling, footwork across the goal, diving technique, distribution and the confidence to command the box. Small technical fixes add up to a lot more saves.
What we train
Set position and handling
Balanced stance before every shot, the W and basket catches, and getting the body behind the ball.
Footwork and angles
Shuffling and crossover steps to stay square, and positioning on the arc between the ball and the center of the goal.
Diving and recovery
Collapse and extension dives with the correct lead hand, then getting up fast for the second ball.
Distribution and playing out
Throws, goal kicks and receiving back-passes with both feet, because modern keepers start the attack.
Drills to do at home
Wall catches
- Setup:
- Stand 3–4 m from a wall with a size 4–5 ball.
- Reps:
- 3 × 20 throws, alternating W catch (chest-high) and basket catch (low).
- Coaching point:
- Hands meet the ball in front of the body; no clapping sound.
Cone shuffle and set
- Setup:
- Two cones 3 m apart; a partner holds a ball.
- Reps:
- Shuffle cone to cone 6 times, set, then catch a thrown ball. 5 rounds.
- Coaching point:
- Feet never cross on short shuffles; be still (set) as the ball is struck.
Kneeling collapse dives
- Setup:
- Kneel on grass; partner rolls balls 1 m to each side.
- Reps:
- 10 each side.
- Coaching point:
- Fall sideways onto the hip and shoulder, not the elbow; ball pinned with top hand.
Back-pass first touch
- Setup:
- Partner passes in from 10 m; two small gates either side of you.
- Reps:
- 20 passes, touch out through a gate and pass back.
- Coaching point:
- Scan before the ball arrives and open your body toward the gate.
Common questions
At what age should a player start goalkeeper training?
Many players try goalkeeping around 8–10. Specialized goalkeeper sessions usually help most once a player is choosing the position regularly, often from about 10–12, while still playing in the field sometimes.
How can a goalkeeper train at home?
Wall catches, footwork with cones, kneeling dives on grass and receiving passes with both feet can all be done at home with one ball and a partner or a wall.
Do you offer goalkeeper training in Brentwood, CA?
Yes. Dream Elite offers goalkeeper sessions in Brentwood, CA, as private lessons and in our goalkeeper program when it's running. See Programs for current dates.