Goalkeeping is not just about making saves; it’s also about using various methods of distribution to pick out players, initiate attacks, or clear the ball from danger. A modern goalkeeper must be comfortable using both their feet and hands for distribution, even acting as an outfield player when necessary.
There are four main goalkeeper distribution techniques that every keeper should master:
- Back Pass
- Throwing
- Goal Kicks
- Drop Kicks
Mastering these four techniques will help turn you into a well-rounded goalkeeper.
1. Back Pass
The back pass intimidates many goalkeepers because it highlights any weaknesses they have with the ball at their feet. Forwards know to apply pressure when a back pass is played, so building confidence through regular practice is essential.
Importantly, back passes aren’t always played perfectly to your strong side. It’s vital to maintain composure and control the ball using both feet.
Usage
Goalkeepers must position themselves as an option for teammates. This adds an extra consideration for opposing attackers, creating more space for your team.
Goalkeepers face a crucial decision on back passes: should they control the ball, or get rid of it immediately?
a) First-Time Clearance
- Body Position: As the ball is coming towards you, position your body so that you are slightly side-on to the ball. This allows for more fluid movement when striking the ball.
- Plant Foot: Ensure your non-dominant foot is placed beside the ball, not too far behind, and at a slight angle. This gives you balance and power.
- Strike: Use the inside of your dominant foot for accuracy or the instep for power. The key is to get under the ball to avoid hitting it too low, which can cause it to stay flat. Strike the ball with clean contact for better direction.
- Follow Through: After contact, follow through with your kicking foot to ensure power and to keep the ball from going in the wrong direction.
b) Taking an Extra Touch
- Control: If you decide to take an extra touch, allow the ball to come across your body. Use the inside of your foot to settle the ball, ensuring that it doesn’t roll away or bounce unpredictably.
- Body Balance: Make sure your body stays relaxed, and don’t be in a rush to clear it. Take your time to assess options while maintaining a good stance.
- Use Your Weaker Foot: If the ball is coming to your weaker foot, don’t hesitate to control it and pass using the inside of that foot. It’s important to build comfort with both feet to maintain fluidity in your distribution.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not clearing the ball wide enough, which could lead to a dangerous spot and put the team under pressure.
- Failing to take an extra touch when there’s ample time, or unnecessarily rushing the clearance.
- Shying away from using the weaker foot. Comfortably using both feet opens up more options, such as controlling with the foot the ball comes to and passing out wide.
Examples & Analysis
Watch this video for a look at a goalkeeper’s back pass mistakes.
In this situation, the keeper avoided using his weaker foot and instead played the ball out into a dangerous area, causing confusion with his defenders. With an extra touch, the keeper could’ve set the ball up for a controlled, safer clearance.
For a good example, watch Ederson’s technique – he’s practically an outfield player with gloves!
2. Throwing
Goalkeepers have a unique advantage – their hands – which they must use to distribute the ball effectively and accurately to teammates.
Usage
There are two primary types of throws goalkeepers make: underarm bowls/rolls and overarm throws. Mastering both is essential for accurate distribution.
Throwing the ball allows keepers to pick out players with more precision than with foot distribution and is often quicker than placing the ball on the ground and kicking it out. The downside of throwing is the inability to achieve the same distance as a long kick – unless you’re as gifted as this Iranian goalkeeper…
a) Underarm Bowl/Roll
- Body Position: Stand with your non-dominant foot forward and your body facing slightly sideways to the target. Keep your knees slightly bent to maintain balance.
- Grip: Hold the ball with both hands, palms facing upwards. Your fingers should spread around the ball for stability.
- Motion: Bring the ball down behind your dominant side and then bowl it underarm with your arm straight. As you release the ball, aim for a low and accurate delivery.
- Follow Through: Your throwing arm should continue its motion after the release, ensuring the ball follows a smooth trajectory. Try to follow through towards the target to increase accuracy.
b) Overarm Throw
- Body Position: Stand side-on to the target with your non-dominant foot forward. Keep your head up and eyes on the target.
- Grip: Place the ball in both hands, with your fingers spread for stability. Hold the ball at shoulder height or slightly behind.
- Motion: Bring the ball back behind your head in a smooth, fluid motion. Your non-dominant arm should help direct the throw forward, while the dominant arm will power the throw.
- Release: As you throw, rotate your hips and shoulders, releasing the ball just as your arm comes forward. Aim for a direct, accurate pass with the correct level of force.
- Follow Through: After releasing the ball, your arm should continue in a natural arc, following the direction of the throw.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Throwing with too much or too little force, leading to poor accuracy.
- Using the wrong type of throw for the situation. Remember: underarm for short, overarm for long passes.
- Incorrect positioning or body movement, which can throw off balance and throw accuracy.
Examples & Analysis
Watch this video to see the underarm bowl in action. The technique is performed smoothly and demonstrates the importance of leg positioning and arm movement.
For an overarm throw example, watch this video and see how the correct body movement leads to a precise, powerful throw.
3. Goal Kicks
Goal kicks are a vital technique in a goalkeeper’s distribution arsenal, requiring sound technique and a methodical approach.
Usage
Keepers must decide whether to play a short ball or a long ball. The decision depends on positioning and available options:
- Short Ball: for passes or chips to unmarked players within your own half.
- Long Ball: for players further up the pitch, close to or beyond the halfway line. The long ball allows for power and distance, which is difficult to achieve with throwing.
a) Short Ball (Pass)
- Positioning: When preparing to take a short goal kick, ensure that you are positioned in line with the centre of the goal. Your plant foot should be beside the ball, facing the direction you want to pass.
- Strike: Use the inside of your foot to pass the ball to a teammate. Keep your eyes focused on the ball as you strike, making sure to hit it with the correct part of your foot for accuracy.
- Follow Through: After striking, your follow-through should be smooth and controlled, guiding the ball into the direction of your teammate.
Casually playing five a side football as an outfield player can help to improve your first touch, passing, dribbling and ability to manage pressure. There are also specific passing distribution drills for keepers, too:
b) Long Ball (Goal Kick)
- Approach: Start your run-up at a slight angle towards the ball. A few steps back and to the side will give you the necessary angle for a powerful strike.
- Plant Foot: As you approach the ball, plant your non-dominant foot beside it, pointing in the direction you want the ball to travel.
- Strike: Hit the ball with the instep (laces), striking it with a firm and clean contact. Make sure to get under the ball to add height and power.
- Follow Through: Your kicking leg should extend fully after contact, with your body following through towards the target. This generates the necessary power and accuracy for the ball to travel the required distance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to adjust body posture during a long kick, leading to poor height or distance.
- Relying on power alone instead of focusing on technique and placement.
- Being unsure of when to play a short or long goal kick, leading to wasted opportunities.
Examples & Analysis
Watch this video showing a well-executed goal kick. The goalkeeper, Kristian Thomnsen, demonstrates perfect technique and body position for long goal kicks.
4. Drop Kicks
Drop kicks are an excellent way to get more height on the ball, making them an alternative to still-ball kicks for long-distance distribution.
Usage
Drop kicks are typically used when the goalkeeper wants to distribute the ball quickly to players further up the field. They are ideal for long distances and for situations where you need to relieve pressure quickly. However, drop kicks are less suited for short, precise distribution.
Goalkeepers can use a variety of techniques when performing a drop kick, including the standard drop kick, half volley, and side volley. Each method has its own advantages, and a goalkeeper should aim to be comfortable with all three to suit different match situations.
a) Standard Drop Kick
- Body Position: Start by positioning yourself just inside the goal area, with the ball resting in your hands. Stand tall with your knees slightly bent for balance.
- Drop: Hold the ball in front of you and drop it down to the ground. Ensure it falls within your range of striking.
- Strike: As the ball hits the ground, strike it with the instep (laces) of your dominant foot. Make sure your foot makes clean contact for maximum power and control.
- Follow Through: Your kicking leg should follow through naturally after contact to maintain accuracy and generate the necessary distance.
To achieve a higher arc on a drop kick, the goalkeeper should adjust their body and striking technique slightly:
- Body Position: Stand a bit more upright and aim to strike the lower half of the ball. By positioning your body more vertically, you can generate more height.
- Strike: Hit the lower half of the ball with the instep, allowing the ball to travel higher while still maintaining control and direction.
- Follow Through: The follow-through should be controlled, ensuring the ball rises and reaches its intended target.
b) Half Volley Drop Kick
- Body Position: Begin in a similar stance to the standard drop kick but anticipate the ball to bounce up slightly before you strike it. Your eyes should track the ball as it bounces off the ground.
- Strike: As the ball bounces, strike it with the instep, aiming to make contact just after the ball bounces, almost like a half volley in football. This technique helps to add extra pace while keeping the ball low and controlled.
- Follow Through: Ensure a smooth follow-through to maintain power and accuracy, as striking the ball too early can cause a mishit.
c) Side Volley Drop Kick
- Body Position: For a side volley, position your body sideways to the ball with your non-dominant foot beside the ball. This technique requires the goalkeeper to strike the ball with the inside of their dominant foot.
- Strike: As the ball drops, use the inside of your dominant foot to strike it cleanly. Aim for a controlled side volley to maintain both accuracy and distance. This method is particularly useful for playing the ball wide or to teammates on the wing.
- Follow Through: As with other methods, your kicking leg should follow through smoothly to ensure the ball follows its intended path.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Striking Too Early or Too Late: A poor drop kick often results from hitting the ball before or after the right moment, leading to loss of control and accuracy.
- Lack of Follow Through: Failing to follow through properly can cause the ball to lose height or veer off course.
- Incorrect Foot Placement: Striking the ball with the wrong part of the foot (e.g., the toe or outside) can lead to mis-hits, resulting in a poor distribution.
Final Thoughts
Mastering goalkeeper distribution is a crucial aspect of modern football. Whether it’s a back pass, throw, goal kick, or drop kick, each technique requires practice and understanding of when and how to use it best.
By building confidence and improving your skills in these areas, you’ll become a more effective and adaptable goalkeeper.