Introduction:
Attacking the ball is one of the most important Goalkeeper topics. Why? Because the GK needs to have some
important qualities, for example: Anticipation, decision making, starting position, courage, speed etc.
During game situations you can see these qualities when the GK is covering the space behind his defense inside
or/and outside of the box.
To train this topic the GK coach has to work progressively, meaning, based on the age the GK needs specific
exercises going from very easy to very difficult as they need to work step by step.
Focus on:
. Starting position
. Decision making
. Correct way of running
. Correct catching technique (right foot, right knee)
Attacking low ball
Description:
A –B: When attacking the low ball, the GK’s body position needs to be forward and low.
C –D: Fast and aggressive run, especially when he is playing under pressure.
E -F: Before he is dealing with the ball, the GK will stretch the entire body through the ball and he will protect it
from the opponent.
Exercises
Attacking the ball by diving/punching
In game situations, especially when the GK needs to challenge for the high ball with the opponent and he cannot
catch it; usually he will use the punching technique by diving.
There are two kinds of techniques: two handed and one handed.
Two Handed:
The GK will use this technique when the ball is in front of him; generally when the ball comes from the central
area. The hand needs to be closed and the fingers very tight (1); also before the impact with the ball, the hand
needs to be in the same line with the elbows tight, like one big punch, with the thumb giving a pressure from the
top (2).
One Handed:
The GK will choose to play by one punch, when the ball is far from his position and he needs to reach up his arm as
much he can.
He can use two kinds of punching positions: vertical punch (3) and horizontal punch (4).
. The vertical punch position is used in general when the ball is coming from the central area (like the two
handed technique). The punch will be with the fingers very tight and the wrist is stiff.
. The horizontal position is used when the ball is coming from side areas like crosses. The punch position is
different, because when on impact the GK will have more surface area to hit through the ball.
From Central Area
Description:
A) GK’s standing and watching the ball.
B) Moving through the ball by forward run.
C) Forward run.
D) Diving.
E) Stretching the arms.
F) Dealing with the ball by punching.
G) Landing on the ground.
H) Watching the ball.
I) Stretching the arms.
From the Side:
Description:
J) Elbow in the same line with the shoulder; horizontal punch; protection from opponent by using opposite
arm; jumping with opposite leg and watching the ball.
K) Stretch all the body and impact the ball and push it far way.
L) Little upper body torsion; watching the ball away during the landing technique.
Attacking the High Ball with Opponent
Description:
M) Diagonal starting position
N) GK running
O) GK jumping and protect himself with the opposite leg from the opponent.
P) Stretching the body through the ball and catching the high ball.
Q- Q1) Moving forward and protect the ball from the opponent.
Challenging for the ball
During some very close action, sometimes the GK needs to be quick and ready to challenge the ball with the
opponent. These kinds of game situations are difficult for the GK, because he needs to make the right decision
immediately and not be afraid of the opponent.
Description:
R) The GK’s standing and wai
ting for the ball, ready for attacking.
S) The Coach dropping the ball and the GK moves through the ball.
T) The GK’s attacking and stretch his body to the ball.
Key Points:
. Concentration.
. Speed and power.
. Technique.
. Anticipation.
. Do not be afraid.
Conclusion:
“To my opinion and philosophy, taking into account the development of modern football, especially the
increasing of the speed, the tactical aspects and strategy, obliges the Goalkeeper to be alert during all game
situations”.
Ferdinando Scarpello