Coaching the Soccer Goalkeeper – Shot Stopping

The soccer goalkeeper is a very specialist position and as a result they require a particular level of detail and consideration when being coached. It is not sufficient to just place them in goal and have ‘shooting practice’. There are many technical points that must be introduced to the goalkeeper, when and how they are introduced is based on the age and experience of the individual.

An integral part of any goalkeepers’ role is the ability to shot stop, while retaining the ball if possible, and if not perform any recovery saves. When implementing sessions that focus on this skill the following must be ensured:

• The size of the goals are appropriate to the age of the goalkeeper.
• The size of the footballs are appropriate to the age of the goalkeeper.
• The age and ability of the players shooting are appropriate to the goalkeeper.

Once these have been ensured the following factors can be addressed:

1 – Starting Position

To ensure that the soccer goalkeeper maintains an appropriate starting position they should continually move and adjust their position with relation to the ball. As the ball is moved, they too should move to retain their optimum position. When moving, the goalkeeper should ensure that the footwork employed is appropriate, short strides (without the feet crossing) if the ball is close and longer ones (sideways running) if the ball is further from goal. This provides them with a balanced and co-ordinated foundation from which to react from. With regards to the position the goalkeeper adopts, the goalkeeper should imagine there is a line between the centre of the goal and the ball, the goalkeeper should then maintain a position on that line.

2 – Into Line, Down the Line

As the attacker approaches the goal the soccer goalkeeper may be required to move ‘down the line’ or towards the ball. This then reduces the amount of the goal the attacker can aim for when shooting. How far the goalkeeper advances ‘down the line’ is dependent on:

• How close the attacker is to the goal – The further the player is away from goal the less the goalkeeper needs to come out (except to support their defence). If they do advance too far, they may be susceptible to being chipped or lobbed.
• Whether the attacker has the ball under control – If the player is not in a position to shoot then the goalkeeper can adapt their position, as a shot is not expected or anticipated.
• Size of the goalkeeper – The bigger the goalkeeper the easier it is for them to ‘fill’ the goal without advancing too far.
• Reaction time – The closer the goalkeeper is to the ball the less reaction time they will have.

3 – The ‘Get Set’ Position

The ‘Get Set’ position is the position all goalkeepers should adopt prior to a shot being taken, so that they are ready to perform a save. The ‘Get Set’ position is:

• Feet Shoulder width apart – To provide a sturdy and balanced foundation.
• Weight on the balls of the feet – But not bouncing, this means they can react and move quickly. Too many goalkeepers bounce and they cannot move or react as quickly as they would be able to from a grounded position, due to being aerial or unbalanced for a few, vital, milliseconds.
• Knees slightly bent – Explosive movements.
• Head stationary – Focus on the ball and the situation developing.
• Hands shoulder height and forward of body – Can react quicker to save.

4 – Continuing Assessments

While the soccer goalkeeper is adopting their position there are certain assessments they must continually make to ensure they maintain the right position:

• Who is the player in possession? – Are they comfortable and confident being in this position?
• How close to goal are they? – Can they realistically score from where they are? Is the goalkeepers positioning correct for their distance?
• Potential to shoot? – Will the player look to score themselves or pass the opportunity onto another player.
• Are they on their stronger or weaker side? – Will greatly affect their confidence, attitude and decisions.
• Is there or will there, be any pressure on the ball? – Will it be a snap shot or does the player have time to ‘pick their spot’? How far away are they? How long do they need to get back?
• Does the positioning of the defenders affect the position of the goalkeeper? – Are they blocking or obstructing part of the goal, meaning the attacker has to aim for a certain area.

Once the attacker has taken the shot, the goalkeeper must then assess the following:

• Ideal technique to employ to save the attempt – Catch, deflect or parry the ball? If not catching, where should the ball be pushed to?
• Will there be the need for a recovery save?

In addition to these assessments the goalkeeper will also have to consider:

• Weather conditions? With or against wind, rain or sun? As this can greatly affect the goalkeepers’ options and decisions of positioning and what saving technique to employ.
• Pitch surface – boggy, dry or wet. Will the ball hold up, skim or bounce off the surface?
• Condition of pitch – slope or bobbles. Does the state of the pitch favour the attacker or the goalkeeper?

By considering all of the above factors the goalkeeper places themselves in the best position mindset and position to handle any situation that develops.