5 Essential Attributes for a Goalkeeper 

This is the second of a series of articles which focusses in more depth on The 3 Essential Players You Need to Win and the specific attributes that are key to playing these positions. If you have not already read the first in the series, 

This time around I will focus on the goalkeeper role and the specific attributes that are key to this position. As per my first article, I like to think of these attributes in terms of Championship/Football Manager, which I have been obsessed with since I was a kid. So, in this second article I will look at the keeper position in terms of these attributes – positioning, footwork, catching, diving and distribution. 

Positioning 

Your positioning when playing in goal is key – if you are in a good position it will make it seem that any attempt on goal by the opposition is going straight to you. The way to ensure good positioning – know where the goal is at all times. This may sound a little obvious but knowing where your body is in relation to the goal posts will ensure that you can take up the optimum position and create the perfect angle for making the target as small as possible for the opposition attacker. As an attacker is bearing down on you, try to imagine a direct line from the centre of the goal to the attacker and the ball – get yourself on this line! Now, move along this line either toward or away from the attacker to just the right distance so that you can cover all direct ‘paths’ to goal within a step or two. If you get this right, the space with which to aim for the attacker will be minimised and he/she will have to make one hell of a finish to beat you! 

Footwork 

To get yourself into the correct positioning, good footwork is vital. Like a boxer, you need to be quick on your feet, staying on your toes and in constant motion. Try to stay square-on with the ball at all times and, in anticipation of a shot, get your body behind the ball, shuffling left and right. Upon attempting to save a shot, move your body toward the ball rather than waiting for it to come to you – this will ensure that you get to it quickly and will put you in the right position for deflecting the ball away if you are unable to make the catch. If you do get to the ball and are successful in making the save, recover as quickly as possible, getting back on your feet with as little use of the hands as possible to keep them free for any follow-up saves. 

Catching 

The ability to use your hands is the one advantage the goalkeeper has over the outfield players and, as such, you should always seek to get your hands to the ball rather than using your feet. 

The key to making a good catch is to ensure you have ‘soft hands’ upon contact with the ball. This means that you should be using your whole body to cushion the ball and absorb the energy of the shot – extend your arms towards the ball and bend at the elbows when making the catch – do not lock your elbows. 

If you are receiving the ball at or above waist height, form your hands into a ‘W’ shape, with your palms up and out and your thumbs of both hands meeting in the middle. Make sure that your whole hands are positioned behind the ball and not at the sides or you are likely to allow the ball to squirm through you! If intercepting the ball down low, your hands should form a ‘M’ shape, this time with your palms down and out and your pinkies joining to meet in the middle. Again, keep your hands behind the ball and try to ensure that your body is behind your hands and your legs together for additional insurance! 

Also, use your forward momentum (you should be moving your body towards the ball as described above) to position your weight over the ball. 

Diving 

As mentioned above – positioning is key. If you have that right, then most shots on goal will be within one or two steps of your position. However, to reach these shots that are not directly at you, you will need to move your body towards the ball and this is where you will be required to perform some form of dive. In anticipation of the shot, make sure your body is square-on, fully facing the ball and the shooter. As it is struck, launch yourself in the path of the ball with the near-side leg powering off the floor and driving you sideways. Dive forward towards the ball (never backwards) but staying square-on and in full view – you should land on your hips and shoulder rather than your chest or back. Attempt to catch the ball with your hands in the ‘W’ shape as mentioned above. 

Distribution 

The goalkeeper is the last line of defence and the first line of attack – more so in the short-sided game. In possession of the ball you as the ‘keeper should always be seeking to start attacking moves, similar to your defensive player. Try to release the ball as quickly as possible to set up quick counter-attacking moves, either through kick-outs or throws. Due to certain height restrictions in fives (see my rules of the game article here), avoid kicking the ball from your hands as you will tend to have a higher trajectory on your kick. Play the ball from the ground where possible. Throws should be made quick and low, aiming to play the ball to the outfield player’s feet, preferably hitting the ground before meeting the receiver for quicker control. 

See the video below for some great examples of positioning, footwork and a cheeky example of quick distribution. 

Focussing on these key attributes when determining who should be your goalkeeper should ensure that you are making the most of your teammates’ skills. As I said in my previous article the ‘keeper position is the one area of your team that you should try to keep consistent and assign a specific player to play in this position. 

Look out for my final article in this three-part series, looking at the role of the striker/attacker in 5-a-side.