Goalkeeping Edition 80

Welcome to the Goalkeeping Newsletter. Today’s subject will deal with where to stand when the ball is on the far side of the field.

This might seem like a simple subject but the truth is that it depends on a lot of different factors with the main one being comfort level. I received an email from a keeper a few months ago who said if he doesn’t get at least 30-40 yards off of his line when the ball is in his teams offensive third of the field then the coach will bench him.  In my opinion, this is ridiculous.  Would I like my keepers out that far?  If they are comfortable out there then yes, if they aren’t comfortable that far off their line then no.  So many things come into play here that coaches like this keepers don’t understand.  Some keepers are very comfortable coming forward for a ball to win it with their feet but are extremely uncomfortable with having to back up when their team loses the ball.  Keepers like these do not need to be 40 yards off their line.  Some keepers aren’t really ready yet to be playing the sweeper/keeper role and instead are more traditional keepers who do more verbally then with their feet in support.

Having said that it is up to the keeper to determine where they need to be standing when the ball is far away, there are certain things I do NOT want to see.  The keeper who is standing on his line while the ball is 100 yards away is not doing his job.  At a minimum, I feel a keeper should be out past the 12-yard spot (penalty spot).  I do have a belief that if the keeper is going to stand on the 18-yard line, then he should take one more step out and be 19 yards.  We are taught from a very early age not to cross lines (whether it be in school or on the roads) that I find keepers hesitating when they get to the 18.  By taking one step beyond this line, they eliminate this factor in making a decision on whether to go to the ball or now.

Keepers do need to realize that the further out they are willing to stand, the more effective they will be in supporting their team and also from a communication standpoint, it’s easier to communicate when you are closer to your teammates.  However, each keeper must determine his or her own comfort area and that is where this decision on where to stand will be determined.

This is a short newsletter simply because I am headed out of town for a few days.  Any questions, comments or suggestions should be sent to comments@finesoccer.com or posted at http://finesoccer.com/forum.htm.  Please understand that it might take me a few days to reply because of this trip

Have a great day

Lawrence