Soccer Practice With No Goalkeeper: 8 Drills and a 60-Minute Session
Quick answer: When no goalkeeper is available, use mini goals, cone gates, end zones, target players and line-breaking scoring rules. These formats still develop passing, finishing, movement, possession and transitions without asking an outfield player to spend the entire session in goal.
A missing goalkeeper does not have to ruin the training plan. Coaches can replace traditional goals with mini goals, cone gates, target players, scoring zones or controlled passes beyond a defensive line.
This complete 60-minute soccer practice is designed for approximately 8–14 outfield players, with no goalkeeper required. Every activity can be adjusted by changing the team sizes, playing area or number of neutral players.
The session develops first touch, passing, possession, movement beyond defenders, attacking overloads, transition reactions and finishing accuracy. It also prevents an outfield player from spending the entire practice in an unfamiliar goalkeeping role.
For sessions based on exact attendance numbers, use our complete plans for nine players, 10 players, 11 players or 12 players.
Equipment and Setup
PlayersApproximately 8–14 outfield players
GoalkeepersNone required
Session duration60 minutes
Recommended agesU9 to senior
Maximum area40 × 30 yards
EquipmentBalls, cones, bibs and mini goals when available
Complete 60-Minute Practice With No Goalkeeper
| Time | Activity | Main objective |
|---|---|---|
| 0–8 minutes | Partner Gate Passing and First Touch | Activation, scanning and passing accuracy |
| 8–16 minutes | 5v3 Rondo With Escape Gates | Possession, pressing and forward movement |
| 16–24 minutes | 4v4 Plus Two End Targets | Directional possession and support |
| 24–32 minutes | 3v2 Wave Attack to Two Mini Goals | Overloads, decision-making and finishing |
| 32–40 minutes | 5v5 End-Zone Game | Penetration and movement beyond defenders |
| 40–48 minutes | 5v5 Four-Goal Game | Width, scanning and switching play |
| 48–54 minutes | 4v4 Transition Through Gates | Counterattacking and immediate recovery |
| 54–60 minutes | 5v5 Split-Gate Match | Line-breaking passes and competitive play |
Target games are useful when a full-size goal or goalkeeper is unavailable because the scoring objective can be created with players, gates or designated areas. The Football Association’s target-game guidance also shows how targets can provide direction and purpose within a practice.
Drill 1: Partner Gate Passing and First Touch
This technical warm-up gives every player repeated passing and receiving actions. Players share the area with other pairs, forcing them to scan before choosing their next gate.
Setup
- Create a 24 × 22-yard area.
- Divide the players into pairs.
- Give each pair one ball.
- Place eight to 10 cone gates around the area.
- Make each gate approximately two yards wide.
How to Play
- One player passes through an available gate to their partner.
- The receiver takes a first touch away from the gate.
- The pair moves toward a different gate.
- Each successful pass through a gate earns one point.
- The same gate cannot be used twice in succession.
- Play rounds of 45–60 seconds.
Coach’s note: Encourage players to scan before receiving. The first touch should move into available space and prepare the next pass rather than stopping the ball underneath the body.
Progressions: Use the weaker foot only, limit players to two touches, require a wall pass before changing gates or make the receiver turn before returning the ball.
Drill 2: 5v3 Rondo With Escape Gates
This rondo combines possession with a directional objective. After completing a set number of passes, the attacking team can escape through one of four gates positioned around the area.
Setup
- Create an 18 × 18-yard square.
- Use five possession players and three defenders.
- Place one small cone gate outside each side of the square.
- Keep spare balls beside the coach.
- Rotate additional players into the activity when working with a larger group.
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How to Play
- The five attackers keep possession against the three defenders.
- Five consecutive passes unlock the four escape gates.
- An attacker scores by receiving a pass through any gate.
- After scoring, the player returns the ball to the square and possession continues.
- If the defenders regain the ball, they attempt to dribble through any gate.
- Rotate defenders after each round.
Coach’s note: The attackers should move the defenders before attempting the escape pass. When one gate becomes crowded, recycle possession and attack a gate on the opposite side.
Progressions: Limit attackers to two touches, require a first-time escape pass, reduce the area or award two points when a split pass creates the score.
For more advanced possession exercises, use our advanced rondo blueprint.
Drill 3: 4v4 Plus Two End Targets
This directional possession game replaces goalkeepers with target players. Teams must progress through the field, connect with the attacking target and support the next pass.
Setup
- Create a 28 × 20-yard rectangle.
- Play 4v4 inside the area.
- Position one target player behind each end line.
- The target players remain outside the playing area.
- Use 5v5 plus two targets when more players are available.
How to Play
- Each team attacks the target player positioned behind the opposite end line.
- A point is scored by passing into the target and receiving the return pass inside the field.
- The target player has a maximum of two touches.
- After scoring, the team immediately attacks the opposite direction.
- When possession changes, the new attacking team uses the opposite target.
- Rotate the target players every two minutes.
Coach’s note: Players should not surround the target. One teammate should move toward the ball while another threatens the space beyond or provides support underneath.
Progressions: Limit targets to one touch, require a third-player run after using the target or award two points when the scoring pass breaks through the defensive unit.
Drill 4: 3v2 Wave Attack to Two Mini Goals
This overload exercise allows players to practise finishing without a goalkeeper. Two mini goals force attackers to recognize which side is open rather than shooting toward one central target.
Setup
- Create a 30 × 22-yard field.
- Place two mini goals on the defending end line.
- Three attackers begin with the ball.
- Two defenders start inside the field.
- Organize the remaining players behind the starting positions.
How to Play
- The three attackers attempt to score in either mini goal.
- The two defenders protect both goals.
- If the defenders regain possession, they counter by dribbling across the attackers’ starting line.
- The attack ends after a goal, a defensive counter or the ball leaving the field.
- Two attackers become the next defenders.
- A new group of three immediately begins the next attack.
Coach’s note: Attackers should use the full width of the field and force the defenders to protect two separate goals. The player on the ball must recognize whether to pass, dribble or delay.
Progressions: Add a six-second scoring limit, require a wall pass before finishing, reduce the distance between the goals or introduce a recovering defender from behind.
Drill 5: 5v5 End-Zone Game
The end-zone game replaces shooting with a controlled pass and timed forward run. It develops penetration, movement beyond defenders and the ability to recognize space behind a defensive line.
Setup
- Create a 36 × 26-yard field.
- Add a four-yard scoring zone at each end.
- Divide the players into two teams of five.
- Use 4v4 or 6v6 when attendance differs.
- No player may wait permanently inside an end zone.
How to Play
- Each team attacks the scoring zone opposite its starting position.
- A point is scored when a player receives a controlled pass inside the end zone.
- The receiver must enter the zone after the pass or as the passer prepares the ball.
- After scoring, the same team attacks in the opposite direction.
- Restart immediately whenever the ball leaves the field.
Coach’s note: Runs into the scoring zone should be timed with the passer’s first touch. Players who run too early become easy to mark, while players who move too late remove the forward option.
Progressions: Require a one-touch reception, make the final pass travel through a central gate or award two points when a third-player run creates the score.
Drill 6: 5v5 Four-Goal Game
Four mini goals encourage players to scan and change the point of attack. When defenders protect one side, the attacking team must recycle possession and switch toward the opposite goal.
Setup
- Create a 38 × 28-yard field.
- Place one mini goal in each corner.
- Divide the players into two teams of five.
- Each team attacks the two goals on the opposite end line.
- Use cone gates when mini goals are unavailable.
How to Play
- Each team may score in either of its two attacking goals.
- After a goal, the team that conceded restarts immediately.
- Use kick-ins or dribble-ins from the touchline.
- Play rounds of two to three minutes.
- Keep the total score across all rounds.
Coach’s note: Encourage players to receive with an open body so they can see both attacking goals. Teammates away from the ball must move early to support a switch.
Progressions: Require every teammate to touch the ball before scoring, make one goal worth two points or award a bonus point for scoring within five seconds of regaining possession.
The Football Association’s four-goal practice guidance also uses multiple attacking targets to encourage scanning, receiving decisions and switching play.
Drill 7: 4v4 Transition Through Gates
This transition game rewards immediate attacking movement after possession is regained. Instead of shooting, teams score by dribbling under control through one of two attacking gates.
Setup
- Create a 30 × 24-yard field.
- Play 4v4 inside the area.
- Place two cone gates on each end line.
- Each team attacks the two gates opposite its starting position.
- Make every gate approximately three yards wide.
How to Play
- Teams compete for possession inside the field.
- A point is scored by dribbling through either attacking gate under control.
- After scoring, the player leaves the ball for the opposition to restart.
- When possession changes, the new attacking team immediately attacks the opposite direction.
- Play short rounds with a high tempo.
Coach’s note: The first action after regaining possession should move away from pressure. Supporting players should spread quickly and provide options toward both gates.
Progressions: Add a five-second scoring limit, require a pass before entering a gate, narrow the gates or award two points for scoring after a switch of play.
Drill 8: 5v5 Split-Gate Match
The final game creates a match-like attacking objective without using a goalkeeper. Each team scores by passing through a central gate to a teammate making a timed run beyond the defensive line.
Setup
- Create a 40 × 30-yard field.
- Place one four-yard cone gate in the centre of each end line.
- Divide the players into two teams of five.
- Add a three-yard receiving zone behind each gate.
- Use normal touchlines and quick restarts.
How to Play
- Each team attacks the central gate on the opposite end line.
- A goal is scored by passing through the gate to a teammate inside the receiving zone.
- The receiving player must arrive after the attacking move begins.
- Defenders may not stand permanently inside the receiving zone.
- After scoring, the opposition restarts immediately.
- Play two or three competitive rounds.
Coach’s note: Encourage attackers to move defenders away from the central gate before attempting the final pass. Width and switches of play can create the space needed for the line-breaking run.
Progressions: Require a one-touch reception, limit the final passer to two touches or award two goals when the scoring move includes a third-player run.
Find additional game-based activities in our small-sided soccer games library.
How to Adapt the Session
When you have fewer than 10 players: Use 3v3, 4v4 or 3v3 plus one neutral. Reduce the playing areas and keep every player involved.
When you have more than 12 players: Increase the team sizes, create parallel fields or use extra players as rotating neutrals and targets.
When you have no mini goals: Replace every mini goal with a cone gate. Decide whether players score by passing, dribbling or receiving through the gate.
For advanced players: Reduce the area, add touch restrictions, introduce scoring deadlines and reward switches of play, third-player runs and immediate counter-pressing.
Common Mistakes When Training Without a Goalkeeper
- Placing an outfield player in goal for the entire session: Rotate the position or use a format that does not require a goalkeeper.
- Removing finishing completely: Mini goals, gates, targets and scoring zones still allow players to practise accurate final actions.
- Making cone goals too wide: Oversized gates make scoring too easy and reduce the need for accuracy.
- Using only possession exercises: Include directional games, transitions and competitive scoring activities.
- Allowing players to wait inside scoring zones: Require timed movement into the area rather than permanent positioning.
- Adding too many conditions: Start with a simple scoring rule and introduce progressions only when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do when no goalkeeper attends soccer practice?
Use mini goals, cone gates, target players and end zones instead of a traditional goal. These formats allow every participant to train as an outfield player while maintaining a clear scoring objective.
Can players practise finishing without a goalkeeper?
Yes. Players can finish into mini goals, pass through narrow gates, hit designated target areas or score by receiving beyond a defensive line.
Should an outfield player go in goal when the goalkeeper is absent?
An outfield player can rotate through goal for a short activity, but they should not normally spend the entire session there. No-goalkeeper formats keep everyone involved in their regular outfield development.
What are the best soccer drills without a goalkeeper?
Effective options include rondos with escape gates, target-player possession, overload attacks to mini goals, end-zone games, four-goal games and split-gate matches.
How can I create goals without using mini goals?
Place two cones approximately two to four yards apart. Players can score by passing through the gate, dribbling through it or finding a teammate on the opposite side.
How many players is this practice designed for?
The session works best with approximately 8–14 outfield players. Adjust the team sizes, use neutral players or create two smaller fields when necessary.
How long should a no-goalkeeper soccer practice last?
A complete session can last approximately 60 minutes. The plan above moves from technical passing into possession, overload attacks, transition games and competitive play.
Continue the practice-plan series: Save this no-goalkeeper session and explore our complete plans for 10 players, 11 players and 12 players.
