Goalkeeping, Moving into Line

Football Coaching Courses, a candidate's notes

Organisation Grid size: 30m x 20m. If possible mark out an arch between the goalposts to give the goalkeeper a clearer idea of his movements. The server passes the ball to A1 or A2 or shoots himself. Attackers can only have two touches so the goalkeeper must get into line quickly. Coach behind or next to the goalkeeper, whichever gives you the clearest view.
	The semi-circle in front of the goal is used to estimate the position the keeper should take in relation to the ball.

Key Points

Technique of Gliding

Both feet must be kept in contact with the ground (to provide an effective base to launch into a dive from)
Legs shoulder width apart (in ready position)
Slide trailing foot across the ground so it ends up close to the leading foot (it should not touch the foot or be too close because you will not have a firm base to push off from)
The moment the trailing foot stops, instantly slide the leading foot in the direction you want to go (just a bit further than shoulder width apart so be aware that the goalkeepes balance will be effected)
Alternate foot movements in quick succession
Keep your head up and eyes on the ball

Direction of Movement: Around the Arc

The goalkeeper should take up a position on an imaginary straight line drawn between the ball and the centre of the goal
The goalkeeper should try to move around a semi-circle (Arc) in front of the goal to give the best angle and distance to make the save

The Ready Position

The Head

Technique	Yes	No
Do you keep your head rock steady so that the eyes are on the ball at all times?
Do you take the ball in front of the eye-line so that it can always be seen?

The Feet

Technique	Yes	No
Do you get your legs shoulder-width apart?
Do you bend your knees?
Do you get your weight forward on the balls of your feet?

The Hands

Technique	Yes	No
Do you get your hands out in front of your body?
Are your arms apart?
Do you have your hands facing the ball?

Shot Stopping from the Floor

The Scoop

Technique	Yes	No
Do you get into the ready position?
Do you have your weight slightly forwards?
Do you bend your knees and lean into the ball?
Do you get your legs to less than the width of the ball?
Do you get the back of your hands on the floor?
Do you let the ball roll onto your hands?
Do you pull the ball up to your chest for protection?

K- Shape

Technique	Yes	No
Do you get into the ready position?
Do you have your weight slightly forwards?
Do you bend your strong knee at a 90 degree angle?
Do you place your other leg sideways on the ground to give the longest possible barrier?
Do you get your left knee close to your right foot?
Do you get the back of your hands on the floor?
Do you let the ball roll onto your hands?
Do you pull the ball up to your chest for protection?

Shoots into the Body

The Cup

Techniques	Yes	No
Do you get into the ready position?
Do you have your weight slightly forwards?
Do you move into the line of the ball?
Do you have your palms open (facing upwards) as the ball approaches?
Do your little fingers meet together?
Do you let the ball enter the waist and wrap your hands around the back of the ball?
Do you pull the ball up to your chest for protection?

Shots to the Upper Chest, Head and Above

‘W’ or Shock Absorber

Techniques	Yes	No
Do you get into the ready position?
Do you have your weight slightly forwards?
Do you move into the line of the ball?
Do you take the ball in front of the body using the forearms as shock absorbers?
Do you spread your fingers and thumbs to the side of and behind the ball to form a ‘W’ shape?
Do you bring the ball back into the chest after the save for safety?

Diving for the ball

Hands Leading

Techniques	Yes	No
Do you get into the ready position?
Do you have your weight slightly forwards?
Do you lead the dive with the leg nearest the ball when stepping into the save?
Do you dive sideways landing on your shoulder and side?
Do you aim to get your head behind the ball as much as possible (second barrier)?
Do you trap the ball with the leading hand behind the ball and the other hand on top of the ball?
Do you bring the ball back into the chest after the save for safety?

Site designed by Chris James

Site Map