How to work with four goalkeepers in training: strategies for greater fluidity and participation

In many soccer training sessions, having four goalkeepers can seem like a logistical challenge. The risk of falling into monotonous routines, long wait times, and loss of concentration is always present. However, if planned correctly, working with four goalkeepers can become an opportunity to improve group dynamics, increase the technical workload, and maintain intensity and motivation throughout the session.

In this article, we show you how to work with four goalkeepers effectively, suggesting four practical structures that you can implement right away in your training sessions. The goal: to avoid unnecessary timeouts and ensure the active participation of all goalkeepers.

Why is it important to plan training sessions with 4 goalkeepers well?

When more than two goalkeepers are involved in a training session, the main problem is often the wait between repetitions. This inactivity not only reduces the physical and technical load of the training, but can also lead to lack of concentration and engagement.

That's why it's key to design exercises and dynamics where all four goalkeepers are actively involved, constantly alternating roles, so that everyone stays mentally and physically engaged in training.

Each pair works one side

This is one of the most effective and organized ways to work with four goalkeepers.

What does it consist of?

Two couples are formed.
Each pair works one side of the field or goal (left and right).
Within each pair, one goalkeeper is positioned between the sticks and the other in the corresponding role (shooter, crosser, etc.).
The exercise is performed on that side.
The pair's goalkeepers then swap roles.
Once one side is completed, the other pair comes into action, working the opposite side with the same system.

Advantages:

Clear and turn-based organization.
Balanced work for all goalkeepers.
The accumulation of waiting goalkeepers is avoided.
It allows you to work on specific technical aspects by area.

One couple works and the other collaborates

This method seeks greater overall participation in each repetition of the exercise.

How is it organized?

A pair performs the technical work (goalkeeping action).
The other pair collaborates from the outside: they serve balls, make crosses, send passes or act as opponents.
After completing a series or block, roles are changed between partners.

Advantages:

Greater intensity and dynamism.
More actions per minute for all goalkeepers.
The technical gestures of the collaborating goalkeepers' shots and passes are also improved.

This method is ideal for exercises where passing accuracy is also part of the training, encouraging concentration and constant involvement from all four goalkeepers.

With rotating role change

A variation on the previous model that adds dynamism and allows for continuous change of positions.

How is it implemented?

It starts with a distribution where one goalkeeper is in goal and the others fulfill roles of collaborators or throwers.
After each repetition or sequence, the goalkeepers change roles in a pre-established direction (for example, clockwise).
Thus, each goalkeeper rotates constantly and participates from different angles and functions.

Advantages:

Continuous fluidity of the exercise.
Minimal loss of time in transitions.
Varied technical work from multiple perspectives.

This approach requires more attention from the coach to control role changes, but once internalized, it is ideal for keeping all goalkeepers active without pauses.

One side, four actions

This is one of the most physically demanding options, ideal for high-intensity sessions.

What does it consist of?

A goalkeeper stands in the goal.
The other three goalkeepers are distributed in different positions to shoot, cross or simulate game situations.
A sequence of consecutive actions is performed (for example: shot, cross, low ball, 1 on 1).
After completing the actions, the goalkeeper in goal rotates with one of the collaborators.

Advantages:

Maximum number of actions per repetition.
Very complete physical, technical and mental work.
High pace that simulates real match demands.

It is essential that the trainer carefully monitor the number of sets and repetitions to avoid excessive fatigue or loss of quality in performance.

Final considerations for the goalkeeping coach

Each of these structures offers effective alternatives for managing work with four goalkeepers, adapting to the coach's style, the group's level, and the specific objectives of the session.

Some key tips:

Plan your work and recovery times well.
Adjust the level of demand according to the objective of the day (technical, physical, tactical).
Avoid exercises where one or more goalkeepers spend too much time standing still.
Incorporate variations and changes of pace to maintain interest.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure the active participation of all goalkeepers, optimizing their time on the field and making training a productive and motivating experience.

Conclusion

Having four goalkeepers in a training session shouldn't be a problem, but rather an opportunity. With good planning and applying some of the suggestions we've shared, you can transform your sessions into dynamic, participatory, and highly effective spaces.

Incorporate these ideas into your daily routine and you'll see how your goalkeepers not only improve technically, but also feel more engaged and motivated in each training session.