FFA Goalkeeping Key Factors
FFA Goalkeeping Key Factors
It is important to remember that goalkeepers are not going to cleanly make these saves
everytime. If this is the case and the goalkeeper has spilt the ball or parried it away we need
to ensure the goalkeeper does 1 of the 2 options!
1. Recovery save – Up quickly to give the best chance for the second save.
2. Recovery line – Has to quickly get back to defend the goal.
The two options will vary depending on each situation. The Goalkeeper has the option to
quickly defend the goal or the space and ball!
Distribution - Throwing!
Roll: - Short Distances:
• Lower body and with arm extended roll underarm with low
trajectory.
• Ball arrives accurately and quickly.
Javelin: - Medium Distances – Quick:
• Wide base with good upper body strength.
• Ball is thrown from the chest with elbow flexed and then
extended quickly as thrown.
Side Arm: - Wide areas – Longer distances:
• Use a wide stance with ball travelling at a lower trajectory
than Javelin.
• Often used to thrown into the space for players to run onto.
Over-arm: Used over distances to by pass players:
• A wider stance to give a base to throw ball.
• Lead with opposite hand and with a bowling technique.
• Release the ball at the top and follow through.
Distribution - Feet!
Push Pass – Short distances - Very accurate:
• Lock the ankle and use the inside of your foot. Ball travels along the
ground.
Drill: - Longer distances – 20-40 yards:
• The ball is drilled just above the ground to arrive to the player below
the shins.
Wedge: -Medium – Long distance:
• Used to by-pass players.
• Ball is lofted over attackers to land at player without bouncing.
Drive: Long Distances:
• Passing long diagonals and goal kicks.
• Goalkeeper drives through the ball and follows through.
Dribble and Drive – Accurate and popular:
• Goalkeeper decides to dribble the ball out of penalty area and drive
over long distances. Used to exploit opposition.
Volley: Quick and long counter attacks:
• Thrown from hands and struck in front of the body prior to it hitting
the floor. Can lack accuracy.
Distribution - Feet!
Side Volley: Accurate and powerful over distance:
• Volleyed from outside the line of the body similar to how an
outfield player would volley the ball.
• Goes at a flatter trajectory and is easier for players to
control.
• Aim front shoulder towards the target.
• Lower the ball to the hip height when throwing.
• Raise ball to shoulder height and step forward with kicking
foot.
• Release ball from shoulder height and as ball lowers push off
kicking foot and jump from kicking foot to non kicking foot.
Rotation of hips happens here. Plant non kicking foot away
from target to open up hips.
• The kick – Connect at hip height but slightly behind the line
of your hips. Exaggerate the lean away from ball and
connect just under the ball.
• Very short follow through as foot comes across the body.