CONTROL SHOOTING PASSING DRIBBLING TURNING HEADING CREATE SPACE INDIVIDUAL DEFENDING SUPPORT PLAY GOALKEEPING CROSSING TACKLING THE THROW IN ATTACKING SET PLAYS DEFENDING SET PLAYS THE FREE KICK

POSITIONAL PLAY

In the modern game and particularly since the change in the back pass rule, positional understanding for goalkeepers is vital. Much, of course, depends on the state of play, but whatever every goalkeeper should know where to position himself during the game.

And that means not only when his team are defending.

For example, when his team are attacking he should still remain alert in case a quick break from the opposition or even a possible long back pass from one of his own team.

But in this section we will deal with a goalkeeper 'narrowing the angle' so as to ensure an opponent (in possession of the ball) does not see all of the goal.

Consider diagram 1 practice 1

(A) Attacker through on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat.

If the goalkeeper retains a position near to goal (position A) then (F) can advance and have the full target area facing him.

But if the goalkeeper moves forward to position (B), he cuts down the area he has to cover, and similarly again to position (C) when, if he is closes quickly enough he can block any shot with some part of his body.

N.B. A goalkeeper should not rush out too far, too quick - if he does, he will give the attacker the option of lofting the ball over him into the unguarded goal.

It is knowing when to come out that is just as important as knowing how to come out.

For example if the shot is likely to come from over 20 metres then the keeper should consider staying closer to his line.

Conversely if an attacker is running through hoping to get closer to the target - then the goalkeeper must be ready to leave his goal and narrow the angle.

Practice 2

If the goalkeeper stays close to his goal line (position G1) then (F) has the option of shooting from close range, or running in to get even closer to the target.

So clearly the goalkeeper has to adjust his position to (G2) forward of the near post - but ensuring he leaves no space to be beaten on his left (the near post).

By advancing, he puts a question to the attacking player - do I shoot, or do I try and go round the keeper? Whatever it makes the target more difficult to hit, and puts pressure on the attacker.

COACHES SHOULD BEGIN BY HAVING AN ATTACKER MOVING IN ON GOAL FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES AND THEN THE GOALKEEPER SHOULD BE ASKED TO TAKE UP VARYING POSITIONS TO NARROW THE ANGLE EACH TIME.