Goalie Wars

Build basic handling, diving shape and quick distribution in a game young keepers beg to play — every save instantly becomes an attack.

Two mini goals face each other 16 yards apart with a cone halfway line between them. One keeper guards each goal; spare balls sit beside each post so the game never stops. Waiting players stand behind the goals as ball-fetchers until they rotate in.

1. Keeper 1 attacks from their own half with a bowled throw or a volley at Keeper 2's goal — they may not cross the halfway cones.
2. Keeper 2 saves, then attacks straight back from wherever they collect the ball.
3. If a ball flies past the goal, grab a spare and play on instantly — no stoppages.
4. First to 5 goals wins the round; losers swap out for the next keeper in.
5. Play a mini-league of 3–4 rounds so everyone faces everyone.

• Set position before every attack: feet shoulder-width, hands ready.
• Catch when you can, push wide when you can't.
• Get up fast — the save is only finished when you've attacked back.
• Throw low and hard at the corners, not high and soft at the middle.

• Keepers stand flat-footed and upright between attacks — re-set the ready position the second the ball leaves their hands.
• Young keepers turn their head away on close shots — coach 'eyes on the ball, hands in front of your face'.
• Players blast hopeful high balls over the goal all round — reward low corner attacks with a bonus point to change the habit.

• Allow drop-kicks and half-volleys for older or stronger keepers.
• Add a rule: a caught ball clean (no spill) earns a free attack from the halfway line.
• Play doubles — two keepers per goal, alternating attacks.

• Shorten the pitch to 10 yards and use rolled balls only.
• Underarm throws only so saves stay below waist height.
• Let the youngest keepers save with any body part and celebrate every block.

• Attacks must be released within 3 seconds of controlling the ball — keeps the heart rate and decisions quick.
• No attacks from beyond the halfway cones.