In soccer, the goalkeeper occupies a position that represents the last line of defence between the opponent's attack and his own team's goal. The primary role of the goalkeeper is to defend the team's goal and prevent the opposition from scoring.
- Reading the game
- Communication
- Concentration
- Decision making
- Intercepting crosses
- Agility
- Flexibility
- Anticipation
- Distribution
- Quick and accurate kicking and throwing
- Awareness / Vision
- Leadership qualities
- Organisational qualities
- Shot stopper
- Cross catcher
- Brave
The goalkeeper position is one of the most important positions on the pitch. Since goalkeepers can see every player on the field most of the time, they often organise the defence during defensive corners and free kicks. In many teams the goalkeeper is the captain- the qualities of a captain are similar to those of a goalkeeper.
Goalkeepers are not required to stay in their penalty area. They may get involved in play anywhere on the pitch but very rarely go in to the oppositions half unless they want to overload the penalty area in search of a late goal. It is also common for the goalkeeper to act as an additional defender / sweeper when the defence is playing a high line up the pitch.
The goalkeepers starting position and stance is very important and their weight should be on the balls of the feet with legs a shoulder-width apart. Their hands should be at waist height, outside the line of the body, palms of the hands open and the head should be slightly forward, the keepers frame should be solid but relaxed.
When the goalkeeper decides to come for a ball above head height they must have their hands in front of the body with their fingers spread into the 'W' shape, they must aim to catch the ball at its highest point catching behind the ball to avoid it slipping through the fingers. When deciding to catch the ball at chest height goalkeepers have 2 choices or techniques to choose from. The first technique is with the hands in front of the body with palms facing outward, with the fingers in the 'W' shape to catch behind the ball. The second technique is to allow the ball to go into the chest, cupping the ball by wrapping their hands and forearms around the ball, clutching the ball into their chest.
Application of Techniques:
Goalkeeping - Defensive
- Working as part of the defensive unit. The GK is an extension of the defence, often providing cover and balance in a sweeper role depending on the positioning of the back 4.
- Organisation of marking. GK’s need to take control of situations quickly especially when defending set plays and free kicks.
- Pressuring the ball. Any delivery in to the 6 yard box should be the GK’s ball, they have the advantage of seeing it coming all the way judging the flight and speed of the ball. Goalkeepers on average are over 6 foot; with a good jump GK’s should be catching the ball at its highest possible point well over 8 feet.
- 50 / 50. On some occasions following a through ball GK’s are required to tackle. They need to make the correct decision quickly whether to come or not with controlled aggression and if possible staying on their feet.
- Angles. The positioning off the GK, especially in 1 on 1 situations is very important, the first rule is to always guard the near post and to make the goal look smaller by advancing towards the forward.
- Decision making. When to tackle, when to try and pinch the ball, when to intercept.
- Organising the defensive unit. GK's are in a dominant position to see all the play in front of them. They can have an influence on the match by conducting the play.
Goalkeeping - Offensive
- Quick distribution, both short and long. Especially after defending a set play where most teams will position their taller defenders in the opposition box. A quick break attack often ends with a goal scoring opportunity.
- Set-pieces. In most cases the defenders will be the tallest / biggest players on the pitch, set plays provide defenders with goal scoring opportunities.
- Confident central defenders / full backs will command the ball off the goalkeeper. As a GK you need to be 100% confident that giving your central defender or full back the ball in such a deep position is the right thing to do.
- Central defenders who are confident of recovery and feel comfortable in possession often push into the midfield to overload the numbers. As a GK it is your job to organise in front of you, if a central defender pushes up the pitch the GK often shouts a midfielder to fill in and cover.
Return2fitness.co.uk is our specialist online sports medical and sports retail web site selling a range of football boots and goalkeeper gloves. |
See also:
|
