Goalkeeper
The last defender and the first attacker. You see the whole game, so you organise it.
Six-week programme for goalkeepers
Where you stand
The same player, four different moments. Play it through and watch how the team's tactic moves you. You are the solid orange player; your teammates are orange rings.
Your job
What every coach will ask of you, whatever the tactic.
With the ball
- Start attacks with a safe pass or a roll-out to a free defender.
- Stand ready for a back-pass, side-on, so you can play either way.
- Kick long only when it is on: to a teammate, not just for distance.
Without it
- Talk. Tell defenders who to mark and when to step up.
- Move your starting position with the ball: further off your line when it is far away.
- Set your feet as the shooter strikes, and stay big in a 1v1.
When it changes hands
- When we lose it high up the pitch, move up to the edge of your box, ready for a ball over the top.
- When you catch it, look for a quick throw to start a counter before you slow it down.
How tactics change your game
Your coach's tactic decides a lot of what you do. Here is the same position under different plans.
High press
Our back line is high, so you are the sweeper. Stand 15 to 25 m off your line and race out for balls played over the top.
Low block
The defence is close to you. Stay nearer your line, organise the wall of bodies, and deal with crosses and shots.
Play out
You are an extra passer. Centre-backs split wide, and you choose the free one. Stay calm on the ball.
Go long
Find the striker or the space behind their full-back. Height and accuracy matter more than distance.
Try it yourself: change the tactic in the team builder and tap your position to see your job change.
Roles in this position
Coaches ask for different versions of the same position. Know which one you are playing.
Goalkeeper
Stays near the goal and starts attacks safely.
With the ball. Start attacks with a pass to a free defender or a roll-out. Kick long only when it is on.
Without. Organise the defence. Start position moves with the ball: off your line when the ball is far away.
Sweeper keeper
Plays well off the line, sweeps up balls over the defence and joins the build-up.
With the ball. Be the spare passer behind the defence. Stand where a centre-back can always find you.
Without. Stand high, 15 to 25 m off your line when the ball is in their half, and race out for balls played over the top.
Practise it in three steps
First the technique on your own, then the decisions in a small game, then the whole team's idea in the match.
Step 1 On your own
first touch · 10 min · Just you
Wall passes across the body
Pass against a wall, take the rebound across your body to the other cone, and pass again. The best way to practise passing and first touch on your own.
ball mastery · 10 min · Just you
Keepy-uppy ladder
Climb a ladder of five stages, from one touch and a bounce to keeping it up with both feet and thighs. It builds the soft touch every other skill needs.
Step 2 In a small game
goalkeeping · 10 min · You and a friend
Goalkeeper handling
Four catches every keeper needs: the W catch, the scoop, the basket and the low collapse. Your friend throws, you catch, then swap.
goalkeeping · 12 min · You and a friend
Shoot and save
One shoots from a line, one saves. Swap after five. Both players learn: one to place a shot, the other to set and catch.
Step 3 In the match
Skills to masterinside-foot pass · Cushioning the ball
What would you do?
Two quick ones for your position. Pick an answer, then see why.
Your match moments
Full moments where your position has a job: see it in a match, make the choice, then practise it.
- Beat the pressPass to the centre-back the striker is not standing on.
- We have just won itCatch, look, throw. Fast if it is on.
- A winger runs at youTalk: "show him outside!"
- Defend a cornerCall early: "keeper!" or "away!"
- Defend a free kickSet the wall from your near post, then step to the far side.
- Take a cornerPush up to the edge of your box to sweep.
- Defend a crossStand a little off your line, towards the middle of the goal.
- Go over themStart it from the back with a kick into the channel, if the line is high.
- One against the keeperCome off the line in a straight line between the ball and the middle of the goal.
- The keeper starts the counterCatch, look, throw.
- Ball over the topStart a few metres off your line when our back line is high.
- Two against oneTalk to the last defender: "Stay up, stay on your feet."
- Shot from the edgeSet your feet as the shot is struck.
- Defend the cut-backShout "spot!" so the midfielder knows where to go.
- A penalty against usOn the line, between the posts, facing the taker.
- Our goal kickTake your time. Put the ball on the side you are passing to.
Take it into your next match
Look for
- Where are their forwards when I have the ball?
- Is my back line high or deep right now?
- Who is free if I roll it out?
Your challenge. In your next match, start three attacks with a pass along the ground to a defender who is free.
In your head
Every keeper concedes. The best ones are calm after a mistake and ready for the next save.
For younger players
There are no goalkeepers in 3v3. From 5v5, let everyone who wants a turn in goal have one, and play them outfield too: a keeper who can pass is worth a lot.