"Goalkeeping is a combination of many factors, both physical and mental. Many people have developed the idea that you have to be mad to be a goalkeeper. This comes from the courage needed to throw yourself under the feet of on-rushing forwards, as well  as the ability to handle the mental pressure of making a mistake, both of which are part and parcel of the game."

- Simon Smith
English Premier League
Goalkeeping Coach
 
Academy Home        In The Box   Coaches Corner  Shots On Goal  Contact

 In The Box

Goals must be placed on the center of  each goal line. They consist of two upright posts equal distance from the corner flag posts and joined at the top  by a horizontal crossbar. 

The distance between the posts is 7.32m (8yds) and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar  to the ground is 2.44m (8ft).

Both goalposts and the crossbar have the same width and depth which should not exceed 12cm (5ins). The goal lines are the same width as that of the  goalposts and the crossbar. Nets may be attached to the goals and the ground behind the goal, provided that they are properly supported and do not interfere with the goal.  The goalposts must be painted white.

Please note the above measurements are the standard for international goals, obviously the dimensions change with the age and level of  competition.

PLAYERS AGE GOAL SIZE  MIN GOAL SIZE MAX
U-6/U-7  (4.5'H X 9.0'W) (6.5'H X 12.0'W)
   U-8      (4.5'H X 9.0'W) (6.5'H X 12.0'W)
U-9  (6.5'H X 12.0'W) (6.5'H X 18.5'W)
U-10   (6.5'H X 18.5W) (7.0'H X 21.0'W)
U-11 (6.5'H X 18.5W) (8.0'H X 24.0'W)
U-12   (7.0'H X 21.0'W) (8.0'H X 24.0'W)
U-13   (8.0'H X 24.0'W) (8.0'H X 24.0'W)
INT'L (8.0'H X 24.0'W) (8.0'H X 24.0'W) 
 

Inside the 18 Yard Box

 

   U11 & UP      U9-U10   U8 & Below
Goal Line Length (Max)  100 Yards     50 Yards     30 Yards
Goal Line Length (Min)    50 Yards     40 Yards      20 Yards
Penalty area Width     44 Yards  Appropriate        None
Penalty Area Depth    18 Yards  Appropriate        None
Goal Area Width    20 Yards  Appropriate  Appropriate
Goal Area Depth     6  Yards  Appropriate  Appropriate

Appropriate Ball Sizes By Age.

 

Age Group

Ball Size

U-6/U7

3

U-8

3

U-9

4

U-10

4

U-11

4

U-12

4

U-13

5

International

5
WHEN IS A GOAL A GOAL?

A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line between the goalposts and under the cross bar, provided that no infringement of the Laws of the Game has been committed prior to the team scoring the goal, (i.e. Off Sides or Penalty).

Of the four balls in the above picture,  only the ball to the far right is considered a goal because it has crossed entirely over the goal line.