Considerations for the Modern Goalkeeper on Set Pieces
The Goalkeeper is an extremely important part of any successful team. They have to be very good with their feet, good distributors of the ball, shot stoppers, one on one specialists, cross handlers and great communicators. An equally important function of the modern goalkeeper is the ability to organize. There is more to this than you think. It is more than assigning players to a man/woman, instructing who to mark and how to mark (zone or man to man).
When defending free kicks, the Goalkeeper (GK) has to consider the following…does he need a wall? And if so, how many players? Some GKs think that if the wall is not lined up in the 18 yard box, then there is no need for one. The GK also has to decide where he wants the line held, so that he/she has working space available to him/her. Since the tendency of the line is to back up, he/she may have the players start a little higher.
There are also some questions the GK has to take into consideration. They are as follows:
- Who sets the wall?
- How many in the wall?
- Jumping wall or standing?
- What differences in set up with direct and indirect free kicks?
- Where is the bullet man positioned and what is his role?
- Man marking or zonal marking?
When defending corners, there are different considerations:
- What adjustments to make if the corner is an in-swinger or out-swinger?
- Is there a need for players on both posts?
- Which player goes where and why?
Even when the keeper’s team is taking a corner, he/she must still organize to protect against a counter attack.
The goalie also has to organize the group when defending the long throw-in. Some prefer that the front post attacker is fronted, so that they have a better option for mobility as there is less traffic.
I know I have a much better appreciation for the Goalkeeper. It truly is a specialized position. No great team is complete without one.
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Great article,
I would like to add, that what makes a great goalkeeper is the ability to catch the ball, I hear a lot of chuckles out there, but hear me out. Most Keepers do have the ability to catch the ball, but what is very frustrating is they choose not too. You have all heard someone say at some point in time that “Goalkeepers are a different breed”, or ” Keepers have to have a different mindset ” this is true, Keepers are normally fearless and flamboyant and crave attention, why else would they put themselves as the last line of defense in a game, they love that feeling of “look at me”, the pressure is all on my shoulders! With that in mind, Keepers have a secret need to look good and put on a show, they might only have 3 or 4 chances in a game to show their teammates and everyone who is watching what they can do. They make the most basic of saves into something the average fan would think worthy of being on Sportscenter’s Top Ten Plays. In reality this is a selfish trait, I cannot tell you how many times I see goalkeepers from the Rec level all the way through to the EPL over exaggerate a save, tip a ball out for a corner instead of just making the simple catch, or using one hand to parry the ball away giving up a rebound. Newsflash my big handed friends, Corners and rebounds are scoring opportunities for your opposition! So if you are one of those keepers reading this and blushing right now, and if you are truly team players wanting to help “The Team”, stop trying to make yourself look good, stop trying to prove yourself with spectacular saves, catch the ball and I promise you, your goals against average will go down dramatically. People do not normally remember that great save you made when you lose four nil, but people start to recognize you when your team wins games. This is a team game, stop the self promotion, and concentrate on the mechanics of catching the ball, your coach, teammates, and fans will thank you for it.
Finally, always remember, “This beautiful game we love so much, is bigger and always will be bigger than any individual”
“Safe hands my friends”
Mick Whitewood
Florida Regional Scout
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC SOCCER ACADEMY (IASA)
http://www.internationalasa.com
Email = mwhitewood@internationalasa.com
“Providing Professional Opportunities for Players”.
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I thank you for taking the time to comment. As the parent of a goalkeeper, I shared this with him. He is a very talented 13 year old with a GREAT coach and team. I have always told him, simple is best and seeing the comment from a scout as someone who still dreams of making it to the Pro’s….invaluable.
Thanks again!
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