Game version
Shadow partners: one moves the ball with a slow walk and the other stays goal-side and says why. Swap every minute.
Positioning Walkthrough
Walk through where to stand when your team defends and attacks.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth soccer coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Mark your position on a small field with cones.
Core: Steady. See how long you can stay goal-side.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Cones, partner
- Level · skill
- Developing · Defending
The steps
How it works
- Mark your position on a small field with cones.
- A partner moves the ball; you shift to stay goal-side.
- Say why you are moving as you move.
- Do 3 minutes, then switch roles.
Coaching point
See the ball, see your player, stay goal-side.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Levels: Less (the ball moves slowly), Core (steady), More (the ball can change direction). See how long you can stay goal-side.
Story
You are the goalkeeper’s bodyguard, always between the ball and the goal.
My best
Beat your own count
See how long you can stay goal-side. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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An email from you to the coach, with the words ready. Nothing is tracked and nobody is rewarded.