"Goalkeepers" Its important that you read this section on key factors it will help you to understand and make you a BETTER goalkeeper

Key Factors of Goalkeeping

Goalkeepers in this section we will look at the key factors of goalkeeping. Its important that you read these and practice.

In this section we will cover;

1) W position
2) Start and Set position
3) Cup
4) Low diving save
5) High diving save
6) Collapsing save
7) One v One
8) Dealing with crosses
9) Lining up the wall
10) Support and communication
11) A modern day goalkeeper

The “W” Technique

Key points;

The goalkeepers’ starting position in relation to the ball.

Movement into the line of the ball.

The “Set Position” as the ball is being struck.

The assessment as to which technique will be most appropriate.

The “W” technique;

The hands from being in front of the line of the body need to be brought into line of the trajectory of the ball with the chest square.

The hands are prepared with the palms facing the ball with the fingers spread and the thumbs forming the “W” shape.

The elbows need to be slightly flexed to act as “shock absorbers” when the contact of the hands is made with the ball.

The contact with the ball needs to be approximately “15 – 18 inches” in front of the body, [ depending on the size of the goalkeeper this can be adapted]

“Soft hands – Strong wrists”

“Keep the eyes on the back of the ball”

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Start/Set Position

Start Position

Ensure goalkeeper’s start position is in line with the ball.

“Set Position”
Key points;
The feet should be approximately shoulder width apart.

The weight should be on the front half of the feet ensuring a balanced position.

The body weight needs to be slightly forward.

The knees need to be slightly flexed with the hips square to the ball.

Keep the head still and keep “the nose in front of the toes”

The elbows need to be narrow with the chest facing the ball.

The hands need to be in front of the bodyline and approximately ball width apart. “Prepare the hands early”

These are general guidelines. Questions will be posed as to what is considered to be the correct hand position.

The goalkeeper will naturally hold the hands in a position that he/she feels comfortable. Hand positions will vary e.g. palm down – thumbs up – tucked into the waist – fingers down etc.

If the goalkeepers handling is good and consistent and the goalkeeper feels comfortable then it should not be a problem. On the other hand if the goalkeepers handling techniques are inconsistent then the hand position may need changing.

The “Set Position” will obviously alter slightly due to the physiological make up of the goalkeeper. The taller goalkeepers’ feet will probably be slightly wider apart, but generally the principles remain the same.

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The “Cup” Technique

The goalkeepers’ starting position in relation to the ball.

Movement into the line of the ball.

The “Set Position” as the ball is being struck.

The assessment as to which technique will be most appropriate.

Once the ball has been struck avoid as little body movement as possible.

Whilst in a balanced “Set Position” the footwork may need to be adjusted slightly laterally as the ball travels towards the goalkeeper.

Keeping the chest square to the ball the hands need to be brought forward in front of the bodyline. “Prepare the hands early”

The elbows need to be tucked in with the palms facing up and the fingers spread. “Soft hands – Strong wrists”

The feet now need to be planted solidly in preparation for the catch.

On impact the ball is taken into the midriff with the palms securing the ball.

COMMON PROBLEM

The goalkeeper jumping up as the catch is made or the goalkeepers’ bodyweight going backwards therefore he/she is unbalanced as the catch is made.

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The “Low Diving Save”

Key points;

The goalkeepers’ starting position in relation to the ball.

Movement into the line of the ball.

The “Set Position” as the ball is being struck.

The assessment as to which technique will be most appropriate.

The “Low Diving Save;

Once it is determined that the ball is struck wide of the goalkeeper the decision needs to be made as to whether the goalkeeper has the opportunity to move his/her feet to get into line of the ball. If this is not possible then this technique needs to be implemented.

The goalkeeper needs to “step” towards the line of the ball with the nearest foot.

By making the initial step it brings the bodyweight slightly forward in preparation to make the save.

With the leg slightly flexed and the bodyweight transferred onto it, the goalkeeper will now have the power to dive to his/her side whilst bringing the bodyweight forward.

As the weight is transferred to the leg, the hands and bodyweight follow.

The hands should be approximately ball width apart [handcuffs] with the fingers spread and move together towards the line of the ball with the fingers spread in the “W” formation.

If the ball arrives along the ground, the leading hand, in this case the right hand, needs to go behind the ball with the left hand securing it on top.

The elbow needs to be tucked in to ensure that the ball is secured safely and to avoid injury.

All impact is taken on the side of the body and the shoulders.

The head then follows in behind the hands.

Deflecting to safe areas – Strong wrists/ Big palm.

Recovery saves to gather the loose ball/Recovery lines to defend the goal.

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The “High Diving Save”
Key points;

The goalkeepers’ starting position in relation to the ball.

Movement into the line of the ball.

The “Set Position” as the ball is being struck.

The assessment as to which technique will be most appropriate.

The High Diving Save;

Once it is determined that the ball is struck wide of the goalkeeper the decision needs to be made as to whether the goalkeeper has the opportunity to move his/her feet to get in line of the ball. If this is not possible then this technique needs to be implemented.

The goalkeeper needs to “step” towards the line of the ball with the nearest foot.

By making the initial step it brings the bodyweight slightly forward in preparation to make the save.

With the leg slightly flexed and the bodyweight transferred onto it, the goalkeeper will now have the power to dive to his/her side whilst bringing the bodyweight forward.

As the weight is transferred to the leg, the hands and bodyweight follow.

The hands should be approximately ball width apart [handcuffs] with the fingers spread and move together towards the line of the ball with the fingers spread in the “W” formation.

Elbows are now flexed with the eyes focused on the ball between the flexed elbows.

Securing the ball on impact as the body hits the floor.

The technique of “Deflecting” to safe areas – “Strong wrists – Big palm”

The technique of “Parrying” to safe areas.

Recovery saves to gather the ball.

Recovery lines to defend the goal.

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The “Collapsing Save”
Key points;

The goalkeepers’ starting position in relation to the ball.

Movement into the line of the ball.

The “Set Position” as the ball is being struck.

The assessment as to which technique will be most appropriate.

The Collapsing Save;

This technique is used when the ball is played down the side of the body but close to the feet. If the goalkeeper does not have the time to move into line and use the “Scoop” technique, then this is the most appropriate way to deal with this ball.

The goalkeeper needs to collapse at the knees at the same time as ensuring that the nearest or leading hand goes behind the line of the ball.

When diving “right” the left hand would follow the right hand ensuring the bodyweight comes forward in preparation for contact with the ball.

The right hand goes behind the ball with the left hand securing it on top – “Soft hands – Strong wrists”

Same method when diving to the left but leading with left hand;

The bodyweight now follows naturally in behind the ball to make a second barrier.

In the ideal situation the contact with the ball would be made in front of the body with the elbows slightly flexed and tucked in.

The head is in placed in behind the ball with the eyes focused to ensure the ball is secured.

In the event of the ball coming off the goalkeeper is there a “recovery save”
or the goalkeeper making a “recovery line” to defend the goal.

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One v One “Diving At Feet”

Key points;

The goalkeepers’ starting position in relation to the ball.

Priority 1 – Defend the goal.

Priority 2 – Defend the space between the goalkeeper and the defenders.
Is there pressure on the ball?

The goalkeepers’ stance in anticipation of the through ball – being on the front foot.

Assessment of the through ball – Advance or defend the goal?

If the decision is to advance – be positive – safety first – clear the lines.

If staying to defend the goal;

Put onus on the attacker.

Make forward movements only when the ball is out of the attackers’ feet. Delay and Stay BIG”

Force the attacker wide if possible.

Communication – role of recovering defender.

The techniques of “Smothering” or Diving at feet”

Lead with the hands taking the bodyweight forward.

Tuck the head in behind the hands.

A big barrier – “Physical Courage”

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Dealing with Crosses
Key points;

The goalkeepers’ starting position in relation to the ball.

Priority 1 – Defend the goal.

Priority 2 – Defend the space between the goalkeeper and the defenders.

Stance and body language of the goalkeeper needs to be “Positive”

Assessment of the flight of the ball.

Decision of whether to come for the ball or let the defenders deal with it.

Communication of the goalkeepers decision “Early, Loud, Clear, Calm and Concise”

Keeper!

Angle and speed of the goalkeepers’ approach – quickest and shortest route.

Timing and angle of the goalkeepers take off – take off inside leg if possible.

Technique of catching at the highest safest point – “elbows slightly flexed and see the ball into the hands”

If the goalkeeper needs to punch the ball – “height, distance and width”

Two fists or one fisted – “through the bottom and the middle of the ball”

Recovery lines to defend the goal – appropriate footwork.

The role of the defenders; Depth, Communication, Protection and Covering the goal”

Away;

Goalkeeper recovers to defend the goal.

Communication to defenders – Pushing out – marking positions.

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DEALING WITH THE BACK-PASS

Angle and distance of support

Communication

Decision

Good first touch

Re-adjustment of defenders so you can play short

Move down the line when the ball is out of the feet

“Yes” is the pass on or “No”

Quality of the pass and the area to hit

Technique of your distribution

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LINING UP WALLS

Organise early

Clear/Concise/Loud instruction

Distance of the wall from the ball

Is it direct or in-direct

Left or right foot

Cross or shot

In swinger or out swinger

How many players do you need in the wall

Height of the wall [player selection]

Position of the wall

Position of charger and other defenders

Your starting position in relation to the ball

Stay “ALERT” at all times and don’t take your eyes off the ball

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SUPPORT AND COMMUNICATION

Starting position in relation to the ball

Angle and distance of your support

Organisation

Communication

Needs to be as early as possible

Clear/Concise information

Variation in tone

HAVE PRESENCE AND AFFECT THE GAME

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A MODERN DAY GOALKEEPER NEEDS TO BE MUCH
MORE THAN A GOOD SHOT STOPPER

Good decision making

Presence in goal

Good technical ability

Spread confidence throughout the team

Receive the ball comfortably from a back pass

Playing right and left foot passes

Distribution

Northallerton Juniors