Mastering Your Goal Kick Routine
For many young goalkeepers, a goal kick can feel like a high-pressure moment — the whole field is watching, and it’s just you and the ball. But like everything in goalkeeping, consistency and preparation lead to confidence.
Here’s how to build a repeatable routine that turns goal kicks into one of your strengths.
1. Pick Your Spot on the Ball
Choose a specific point to focus on — like the logo or the air needle. This creates consistency in your strike and helps you avoid slicing across the ball or mistiming your contact.
Same focus point every time. Your eyes should find it early and stay locked in.
2. Place the Ball on Clean Ground
Look for a flat, short patch of grass (or turf) that gives you a clean strike. Don’t just drop the ball and go — be intentional.
Avoid divots or thick grass
Give yourself a small runway
A few extra seconds here can mean 20+ extra yards on the kick
3. Line Up With 5–7 Steps at an Angle
Don’t stand straight behind the ball. Approach it at a slight diagonal, which allows for a more natural swing of the leg.
5–7 steps back (experiment to find your ideal number)
Angle yourself off-center to open your hips on the strike
4. Take a Breath
Right before you begin your approach, pause. Take a slow, deep breath to center yourself. Rushing leads to mistakes. This step is as mental as it is physical.
Reset your mind
Control the tempo
Step into the moment with confidence
5. Get Under the Ball
Too many goal kicks are mishit because the strike is flat or off-center. You want lift and distance — which means getting underneath the ball.
Lock your ankle
Strike through the lower half of the ball
Use your planted foot to guide direction and balance
6. Keep Your Head Down
This might be the most important part. Eyes on the ball through the strike — don’t peek up early to watch it fly. Keep your head down until the ball is gone.
Focus on clean contact, not where it lands
Let the follow-through carry you forward naturally
Final Word
A goalkeeper who takes control of their goal kicks controls the flow of the game. Build a consistent routine, and the confidence will follow. You don’t need to crush every ball — just put it where you want it, reliably.
Want help fine-tuning your goal kick technique? Reach out for a private session or join a small group clinic — it’s one of the most common areas we help young GKs improve.
