Goalkeeping in Modern Football: Current Positional Demands and Research Insights

Click name to view affiliation

Fabian Otte Borussia Moenchengladbach, Moenchengladbach, Germany

Search for other papers by Fabian Otte in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8331-0690 *
,
Tim Dittmer The FA, Burton-Upon-Trent, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by Tim Dittmer in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
, and
Julia West University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by Julia West in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/iscj.2022-0012
Keywords:
soccer; training; representative learning design; skill acquisition; player development
First Published Online:
11 Jul 2022
In Print:
Volume 10: Issue 1
Page Range:
112–120
Restricted access

The goalkeeper (GK) in association football arguably presents a critical playing position within a modern game that often appears to be highly dynamic, unpredictable, and constantly changing. Because of the privilege in using the hands and FIFA’s “back-pass law,” the list of GK tasks extends to a wide range of responsibilities in possession of the ball and when defending the goal and space. With the aim of providing an applied overview of the complex GK demands in the modern football game and consequences for position-specific coaching, the following article presents current practical advances on the various areas of physical, tactical–technical, mental/psychological, and social GK development. To further showcase complex GK tasks and actions, a framework of tactical–technical areas in goalkeeping is introduced and linked to recent empirical research in the field of goalkeeping and coaching. This understanding of position-specific demands may support future development of individualised, athlete-centred training interventions, coaching approaches, and match performance analysis. Along the way, the article offers several avenues for future research contributions to this unique field within football studies and further aims to stimulate readers’ and coaches’ thoughts about various matters related to specialist and individual development coaching.

  • Collapse
  • Expand
Cover International Sport Coaching Journal

  • Bartlett, B. (2021). Constraining Football: A vision for player development (1st ed.). Green Star Media Ltd.

  • BDFL. (2018). BDFL Bundesliga-Trainertagung in Mainz. Bund Deutscher Fußball-Lehrer. https://www.bdfl.de/bdfl-aktuelles/nachrichten/332-25-bdfl- bundesliga-trainertagung-in-mainz.html

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bishop, C., Turner, A., Jarvis, P., Chavda, S., & Read, P. (2017). Considerations for selecting field-based strength and power fitness tests to measure asymmetries. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(9), 2635–2644. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002023

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Canada Basketball. (2004). Athlete development model. https://www.basketball.ca/en/development/ltad

  • Chow, J.-Y., Davids, K., Button, C. & Renshaw, I. (2022). Nonlinear pedagogy in skill acquisition (2nd ed.). Routledge.

  • Dauti, R. (2020). Understanding the tactical periodization methodology. https://spielverlagerung.com/2020/05/23/understanding-the-tactical-periodization-methodology/

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • DiCicco T. (2007). What a save! Soccer Journal, 3, 20–22.

  • Dicks, M., Button, C., Davids, K., Chow, J., & van der Kamp, J. (2017). Keeping an eye on noisy movements: On different approaches to perceptual-motor skill research and training. Sports Medicine, 47(4), 575–581. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0600-3

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Di Salvo, V., Benito, P., Calderón, F., Di Salvo, M., & Pigozzi, F. (2008). Activity profile of elite goalkeepers during football match-play. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 48(4), 443–446.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • FIFA. (2010). Physical preparation. In Football goalkeeping manual (pp. 149–196).

  • Gil, S., Gil, J., Ruiz, F., Irazusta, A., & Irazusta, J. (2007). Physiological and anthropometric characteristics of young soccer players according to their playing position: Relevance for the selection process. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21(2), 438–445. https://doi.org/10.1519/R-19995.1

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gil, S., Zabala-Lili, J., Bidaurrazaga-Letona, I., Aduna, B., Lekue, J., Santos-Concejero, J., & Granados, C. (2014). Talent identification and selection process of outfield players and goalkeepers in a professional soccer club. Journal of Sports Sciences, 32(20), 1931–1939. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2014.964290

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Goalkeepers Anonymous. (2021). Does height matter? Goalkeepers in PL. https://goalkeepersanonymous.com/does-height-matter-goalkeepers-in-pl/

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Harrison, J. (2020). Which goalkeeping statistics are worthwhile? Goalkeeping Intelligence (Twitter Account). https://twitter.com/GKIntelligence/status/1247909294143672321?s=20

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hervéou, T., Rahmani, A., Chorin, F., Frère, J., Ripamonti, M., & Durand, S. (2018). Force-velocity muscular profiles and jumping performances of soccer goalkeeper. Science and Sports, 33(5), 307–313. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2017.10.008

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hewitt, A., Greenham, G., & Norton, K. (2016). Game style in soccer: What is it and can we quantify it? International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 16(1), 355–372. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2016.11868892

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hughes, M., Caudrelier, T., James, N., Donnelly, I., Kirkbride, A., & Duschesne, C. (2012). Moneyball and soccer—An analysis of the key performance indicators of elite male soccer players by position. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 7(2), 402–412. https://doi.org/10.4100/jhse.2012.72.06

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ibrahim, R., Kingma, I., de Boode, V., Faber, G., & van Dieën, J. (2018). Kinematic and kinetic analysis of the goalkeeper’s diving save in football. Journal of Sports Sciences, 37(3), 313–321. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2018.1499413

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ibrahim, R., Kingma, I., de Boode, V., Faber, G., & van Dieën, J. (2019). The effect of preparatory posture on goalkeeper’s diving save performance in football. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 1, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2019.00015

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Leitert, H. (2007). The art of goalkeeping or the seven principles of the masters. onLI-Verlag.

  • Liu, H., Gómez, M., & Lago-Peñas, C. (2015). Match performance profiles of goalkeepers of elite football teams. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 10(4), 669–682. https://doi.org/10.1260/1747-9541.10.4.669

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mala, L., Maly, T., Zahálka, F., & Hrasky, P. (2015). Body composition of elite youth soccer players with respect to field position. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 15(4), 678–684.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mercado-Hernández, V., Duclos-Bastías, D., & Giakoni-Ramírez, F. (2022). Differences in the defensive and offensive actions of goalkeepers of teams that have qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Retos: Nuevas Tendencias En Educación Física, Deporte Y Recreación, 44, 928–935. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v44i0.90807

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Newell, K.M. (1986). Constraints on the development of coordination. In M.G. Wade & H.T.A. Whiting (Eds.), Motor development in children: Aspects of coordination and control (pp. 341–360). Martinus Nijhoff.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • New Zealand Football. (2016). National football curriculum. https://www.sporty.co.nz/asset/downloadasset?id=5e5c5c00-a4d2-40bf-8513-ea539aef36a0

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Nikolaidis, P., Ziv, G., Arnon, M., & Lidor, R. (2015). Physical and physiological attributes of soccer goalkeepers—Should we rely only on means and standard deviations? Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 10(2), 602–614. https://doi.org/10.14198/jhse.2015.102.07

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Obetko, M., Peracek, P., Mikulic, M., & Babic, M. (2022). Technical–tactical profile of an elite soccer goalkeeper. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 22(1), 38–46. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2022.01005

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Oceania Football Confederation. (2019). Goalkeeper coaching certificate (pp. 1–36).

  • O’Sullivan, M., Woods, C., Vaughan, J., & Davids, K. (2021). Towards a contemporary player learning in development framework for sports practitioners. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 16(5), 1214–1222. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541211002335

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Otte, F.W., Davids, K., Millar, S.-K., & Klatt, S. (2020). Specialist role coaching and skill training periodisation: A football goalkeeping case study. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 15(4), 562–575. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747954120922548

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Otte, F.W., Davids, K., Millar, S.-K., & Klatt, S. (2021). Understanding how athletes learn: Integrating skill training concepts, theory and practice from an ecological perspective. Applied Coaching Research Journal, 7, 22–33.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Otte, F.W., Millar, S.-K., & Klatt, S. (2019a). How does the modern football goalkeeper train? An exploration of expert goalkeeper coaches’ skill training approaches. Journal of Sports Sciences, 38(11–12), 1465–1473. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2019.1643202

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Otte, F.W., Millar, S.-K., & Klatt, S. (2019b). Skill training periodization in ‘specialist’ sports coaching—An introduction of the ‘PoST’ framework for skill development. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living - Movement Science and Sport Psychology, 1, 61. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2019.00061

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Otte, F.W., Millar, S.-K., & Klatt, S. (2020). Ready to perform? A qualitative-analytic investigation into professional football goalkeepers’ match warm-ups. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 15(3), 324–336. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747954120909956

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Peiyong, Z., & Inomata, K. (2012). Cognitive strategies for goalkeeper responding to soccer penalty kick. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 115(3), 969–983. https://doi.org/10.2466/30.22.23.PMS.115.6.969-983

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Portes, L.A., Canhadas, I.L., Silva, R.L.P., & de Oliveira, N.C. (2015). Anthropometry and fitness of young elite soccer players by field position. Sport Sciences for Health, 11(3), 321–328. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-015-0243-z

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Premier League. (2018). Premier league club stats - saves. https://www.premierleague.com/stats/top/clubs/saves? se=79

  • Rechner, M., & Memmert, D. (2010). Das technisch-taktische Anforderungsprofil des modernen Fußballtorwarts. Leistungssport, 40, 32–37.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Saddam, A.C., Foster, H.M., Zhang, M., & Mosby, T.T. (2019). Effect of sex and race on body mass index and body fat in young adults. Nutrition, 63–64, 9–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2018.10.001

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Savelsbergh, G., Williams, A., Kamp, J., & Ward, P. (2002). Visual search, anticipation and expertise in soccer goalkeepers. Journal of Sports Sciences, 20(3), 279–287. https://doi.org/10.1080/026404102317284826s

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Serrano, C., Paredes-Hernández, V., Sánchez-Sánchez, J., Gallardo-Pérez, J., Da Silva, R., & Porcel, D., Colino, E., García-Unanue, J., & Gallardo, L. (2018). The team’s influence on physical and technical demands of elite goalkeepers in LaLiga: A longitudinal study in professional soccer. Research in Sports Medicine, 27(4), 424–438. https://doi.org/10.1080/15438627.2018.1555755

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Shafizadeh, M., Davids, K., Correia, V., Wheat, J., & Hizan, H. (2015). Informational constraints on interceptive actions of elite football goalkeepers in 1v1 dyads during competitive performance. Journal of Sports Sciences, 34(17), 1596–1601. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2015.1125011

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sporis, G., Jukic, I., Ostojic, S., & Milanovic, D. (2009). Fitness profiling in soccer: Physical and physiologic characteristics of elite players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23(7), 1947–1953. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181b3e141

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sutton, L., Scott, M., Wallace, J., & Reilly, T. (2009). Body composition of English Premier League soccer players: Influence of playing position international status, and ethnicity. Journal of Sports Science, 27(10), 1019–1026. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410903030305

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Szwarc, A., Jaszczur-Nowicki, J., Aschenbrenner, P., Zasada, M., Padulo, J., & Lipinska, P. (2019). Motion analysis of elite polish soccer goalkeepers throughout a season. Biology of Sport, 36(4), 357–363. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2019.88758

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • The Football Association. (2020). The FA’s 4 corner model. https://thebootroom.thefa.com/resources/coaching/the-fas-4-corner-model

  • UEFA. (2020). Coaching convention. https://editorial.uefa.com/resources/025d-0f8430a3fa11-5122cbe26f9c-1000/uefa_coaching_convention_2020.pdf

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • UEFA. (2021a). 2021 UEFA Champions League Technical Report (pp. 52–55). https://uefatechnicalreports.com/ucl-2021

  • UEFA. (2021b). EURO 2020 technical analysis: Packie Bonner [Video]. https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/video/0270-13f701dee3da-695543603d3a-1000--euro-2020-technical-analysis-packie-bonner/

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Verheijen, R. (2014). The original guide to football periodisation (1st ed.). World Football Academy.

  • West, J. (2018). A review of the key demands for a football goalkeeper. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 13(6), 1747954118787493. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747954118787493

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • White, A., Hills, S., Cooke, C., Batten, T., Kilduff, L., Cook, C., Roberts, C., & Russell, M. (2018). Match-play and performance test responses of soccer goalkeepers: A review of current literature. Sports Medicine, 48(11), 2497–2516. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-018-0977-2

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Yam, D. (2019). A data driven goalkeeper evaluation framework. In MIT sloan sports analytics conference (pp. 1–18). StatsBomb.

  • Ziv, G., & Lidor, R. (2011). Physical characteristics, physiological attributes, and on-field performances of soccer goalkeepers. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 6(4), 509–524. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.6.4.509

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 8115 2501 279
Full Text Views 198 93 2
PDF Downloads 226 93 3