A goalkeeper moves while the ball is moving, then stops and gets ready when a shot is about to be taken. For a young goalkeeper, learning that simple timing matters more than copying a perfect-looking pose.
Teach the set position in four steps
Watch
Keep the head steady and follow the ball.
Move
When the ball changes position, use small steps to move with it.
Notice
Look for the attacker preparing to kick: the final touch, the non-kicking foot planting, or the kicking leg moving back.
Stop and set
Before the kick, stop with both feet on the ground and enough balance to move either way.
The order is important. Setting too early can leave the goalkeeper static while the attacker takes another touch. Setting too late leaves the goalkeeper’s feet moving when the ball is struck. If the attacker does not shoot, move again and find a new set position.
What the final position should look like
- Feet: roughly shoulder-width apart.
- Knees: softly bent, never forced into a deep squat.
- Weight: balanced through the front of the feet, not resting on the heels.
- Hands: relaxed, away from the body, and ready to adjust.
- Chest: facing the ball rather than twisting away.
- Head: steady, with the eyes following the ball.
This is a ready position, not a rigid pose. The goalkeeper should feel able to make one quick movement to the left, right, forward, or upward without first having to regain balance.
Three mistakes a parent can spot
Feet too wide?
Say: “Bring your feet underneath you.”
Sitting too low?
Say: “Stand a little taller.”
Still moving at the shot?
Say: “Finish your feet before the kick.”
Try this two-minute practice
- The parent or coach stands 5–8 metres away with a ball.
- Move the ball slowly from side to side. The goalkeeper follows using controlled steps.
- Occasionally shape as if you are about to shoot. The goalkeeper stops in the set position.
- If you do not release the ball, move again. The goalkeeper follows and resets.
- After several successful repetitions, roll an easy ball for the goalkeeper to collect.
Start with gentle rolls rather than hard shots. Check only three things: the feet are grounded, the chest faces the ball, and the goalkeeper can move in either direction. The practice should build recognition and balance—not test bravery.
Watch the position in a real match
FIFA’s goalkeeper analysis includes match clips showing elite goalkeepers repositioning, setting before contact, and then reacting. Watch the goalkeeper rather than the ball. Pause each clip when the attacker strikes and check whether the goalkeeper’s feet are grounded and balanced.
Watch FIFA’s set-position examples
For experienced goalkeepers and coaches: timing and situational detail
Timing matters more than appearance
A photograph cannot show whether the goalkeeper arrived at the correct moment. The objective is to finish the final adjustment as the attacker prepares to strike. A goalkeeper who is beautifully positioned but still travelling at contact is not properly set.
Avoid teaching a pronounced hop into the stance. If the shot arrives while both feet are airborne, the goalkeeper cannot push against the ground. A small natural settling action may happen, but grounded and balanced feet at contact are the outcome that matters.
The posture changes with distance
There is no single stance for every situation. Against a shot from normal range, the goalkeeper can remain taller and preserve more movement options. At very close range, the hands and centre of mass may lower because blocking and smothering become more likely. The stance must serve the distance, angle, and actions available to the attacker.
How the set position changes by situation
Normal-range shot
Stay relatively tall with softly bent knees, relaxed hands and enough balance to push in any direction.
Close-range shot
Lower the hips and hands slightly because blocking or smothering may become more likely, but avoid collapsing into a deep squat.
The attacker takes another touch
Leave the set position, move with the ball and reset when a new shooting cue appears. Do not remain frozen in the previous position.
Set-position questions
Should a goalkeeper stand on their toes?
No. The goalkeeper should feel active through the front of the feet without balancing on tiptoes. The heels should not carry the body weight, but the stance must still feel stable.
How wide should the feet be?
Shoulder width is a useful starting point. The practical test is whether the goalkeeper can push immediately in either direction. If the feet are so wide that the first movement becomes slow, bring them closer together.
Should a goalkeeper bounce before the shot?
A large bounce or jump creates a moment when neither foot can push against the ground. Teach the goalkeeper to finish their movement with grounded feet. A small natural rhythm is acceptable if they are balanced at contact.
When should the goalkeeper get set?
As the attacker prepares to strike. If the attacker takes another touch instead, the goalkeeper should move again and find a new set position.