Post to Post

The keeper shuffles post to post along the goal line, drops to the ground on your call, springs back up — and the toss is already coming.

The side-to-side shuffle and a fast recovery off the ground are how a keeper gets back into a play after a dive — this drill works both in one loop.

Ages 9+Goalkeeper plus a server10 minBalls, full-size goal

Set up · 3 actions · before the kids arrive

Grab: A supply of balls and a full-size goal.
Build: Nothing to build — the goal line is the track.
Place: The keeper stands in the goal on the goal line. You stand about 8 yards out with the balls.

Show me the setup picture

A keeper on the goal line between the posts, the server about 8 yards out with a supply of balls.

One thing to remember: The side-to-side shuffle without crossing the feet, quick recovery from the ground, and staying on the toes ready to react.

How it runs — the whole game in one sentence

The keeper shuffles post to post touching each post; on your call they drop to a push-up position, jump back up to ready, and catch your toss — for about a minute, then rest.

1Organize the players▾
Coach does
Put the keeper in the goal on the goal line and take your spot about 8 yards out with the ball supply.
Coach says
On your line, post to post — I'm right here.
2Show the jobs▾
Coach does
Walk the loop — shuffle side to side touching each goalpost; on your command, drop to the ground in a push-up position and jump straight back up to the ready position; then a toss comes, and they catch it and return it.
Coach says
Shuffle, touch the post, keep moving. When I yell down — down, and pop right back up. Then the ball's coming.
3Play▾
Coach does
Run it for about a minute, then rest. Mix your down calls into the shuffling and toss the ball the moment they're back up.
Coach says
Post! Down! Up — here it comes!
Look for: The keeper on their toes, leaning slightly forward — up from the ground and ready before the toss arrives.
4Switch and repeat▾
Coach does
Rest, then run the next round with the variation — knock the ball into the keeper instead of tossing it.
Coach says
Breathe. Next round they're coming off my foot — real ones.

If it's not working

If the feet start crossing mid-shuffle, pause it and ask the keeper what their feet just did — let them say it, then go again.

Want to go deeper? Optional — not needed to run the game.

Why are we doing this?

The loop stitches together the two halves of a dive recovery — the side-to-side shuffle and the fast get-up — and the toss right after the ground touch means the keeper is always recovering toward a ball, not just standing up.

What are they learning?

The side-to-side shuffle without crossing the feet, quick recovery from the ground, and staying on the toes ready to react.

How can I change it?

Harder: Knock the ball into the keeper instead of tossing it.