The Importance of Footwork for Goalkeepers

Footwork is an essential aspect of a goalkeeper's repertoire.  A goalkeeper's footwork can prove the difference between saving the game or letting one slip into the back of the net.  Quality goalkeepers develop footwork early in their careers and perfect it throughout.  Developing footwork cannot be rushed.  It takes consistent and quality training that cannot be fudged.  Focus and attention to detail is key and technique must be developed over time so when the time comes, and the goalkeeper’s ability to move across the goal is tested, they can quickly react at a moments’ notice.  

Footwork is also one of the more difficult techniques to master.  In the majority of cases, a goalkeeper is forced to dive for a shot when either the ball has been hit with pace and accuracy or when the goalkeeper has been caught out of position.  When working on developing their footwork, a goalkeeper should focus on:

• Their steps and stride length (shorter distances, small steps, larger distances, bigger steps)
• Limit crossing one foot over the other
• Staying in line with the ball
• Keeping their hands prepared for the shot
• Remaining in a ready position while moving
• Maintaining that their hips and shoulders should remain square to the ball
• Staying on the balls of their feet (front part of their feet)
• Positioning themselves behind the ball 
• Footwork moving in a positive or forward direction

Frequent mistakes goalkeepers make in their footwork include:

• Not positioning their body behind the ball
• Leaning back on their heels
• Feet crossing over each other 
• Stepping backwards on a save
• Not preparing their body to be in a ready positioning while they are conducting footwork exercises

Below are a few exercises that will assist in developing a goalkeeper's footwork.  As you will see, the drills incorporate a ball whenever possible.  I encourage utilizing balls in training as it replicates the goalkeeper's activities in games and can allow feedback to the coaching points discussed above.  

Exercise: Goalkeeper starts in center of box designated by a red cone. Coach labels all orange cones 1-4. Coach calls out number, keeper quickly goes and touches that cone and gets back to center of box to receive a ball from the server.



Exercise: Goalkeeper starts in center of box designated by a red cone. Coach labels all orange cones 1-4. Coach calls out number, keeper quickly goes and rounds that cone and gets back to center of box to receive a ball from the server.



Exercise: Goalkeeper starts in center of box designated by a red cone. Coach labels the sides of the box north-south-east-west. Coach calls out either one of those and keeper quickly goes out to that side completely passed the cones and gets back to center of box to receive a ball from the server.



 

Exercise: Goalkeeper moves laterally side to side. Servers alternate taking volleyed strikes at the goalkeeper. Keeper quickly collects ball and tosses ball back to server, moves laterally and receives ball from other server and repeats. With multiple keepers, use them as servers and they can focus on their distribution technique.

Variation:

Keeper moves across the goalmouth to receive the first ball volleyed, returns that ball to the server and moves to collect the other ball from the second server who tosses the ball in the air and off the goalkeeper’s line so they must moves forward to collect the ball at the highest point.

Coaching Points:

Quick Balanced Steps

Hands and Body in ready position

Get into line with the ball when receiving

Body weight on the balls of their feet, almost leaning forward

Limit crossover steps and when they are used make sure the keeper keeps their hips and shoulders square to the ball



 

Exercise: Goalkeeper starts with ball on end line. Goalkeeper starts on near post (slightly in front). Server plays ball to goalkeeper on ground. Keeper receives ball and plays ball in advance of the keeper as keeper moves in an arcing position across the top of the goal mouth striking balls ending up on the other side of the goal on the end line. Each time ball comes to servers feet, they strike a ball at keeper.. Keeper adjusts his angle accordingly. Once reaching the end line on the opposite side, the server repeats in the opposite direction.

Coaching Points:

Staying in line with the ball

Keeping their hands prepared for the shot

Remaining in a ready position while moving

Goalkeeper’s hips and should remain square to the ball

Staying on the balls of their feet (front part of their feet)

Goalkeeper should make sure they position themselves behind the ball 

Rob Parker is Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at Union College. NSCAA National Goalkeeping Diploma, a NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma and a USSF National "D" Coaching License. He is also a former member of the Eastern New York ODP staff. Twitter: @goaliecoach00  Email:  [email protected]