Introduction

In modern soccer, the role of the goalkeeper has evolved significantly. No longer confined to simply making saves from the goal, goalkeepers are now integral to their team’s tactical structure, especially in defensive and transitional moments. This article delves into the Individual Fundamentals by Position (IFP) for goalkeepers, focusing on the concept of progressing with the block. This concept helps ensure a balanced defensive setup, minimize exploitable spaces for the opposition and be ready for 1vs1 situations.

Progressing with the Block to prepare for Goalkeeper 1vs1 Situations

Goalkeeper’s positioning while their team is attacking is vital to maintaining the team’s compactness and minimizing gaps between the lines. Progressing with the block ensures that the opponent can not exploit the spaces behind the defensive line with long passes, as the goalkeeper will be ready to intercept the ball and anticipate 1vs1 situations.

This is particularly relevant when the opposing team recovers the ball in an open recovery situation and has time to execute a long vertical pass targeting their strikers. By staying connected with the defensive block, the goalkeeper reduces the opponent’s opportunities to exploit these spaces and is better positioned to anticipate and intercept long passes.

Also, the goalkeeper’s positioning plays an important role when a team wants to switch the game’s direction or play back due to the opponent’s pressure. If our team wants to move the ball but the goalkeeper is too far away, it becomes easier for the opponent’s block to push forward and close down space.

Going Forward to Intercept

A fundamental skill in potential 1vs1 situations for goalkeepers is their ability to read the game and anticipate the trajectory of the ball. In situations where the ball is recovered by the opponent in the central corridors, the goalkeeper must be ready to move forward quickly, ensuring they can intercept these long passes. Goalkeepers should decide whether to move forward and intercept or to retreat and cover their goal. This decision largely depends on the ball’s speed, angle, and the positions of both teammates and opponents.

Retreat to the Edge of the Goal Box

Another situation arises when the opponent recovers the ball in the wide areas. In this case, goalkeepers need to be more cautious with their decisions, as the pass is less direct and anticipating the ball’s trajectory becomes more difficult.

If interception is not feasible, the goalkeeper should retreat to the edge of the goal area. For passes that are difficult to intercept, goalkeepers should retreat towards the edge of the goal area. This backward movement allows them to maintain optimal positioning and reduce the angle available to the striker when they take their final touch. Once the striker approaches the penalty box, the goalkeeper must quickly close down the distance to limit shooting opportunities.

Conclusion

Progressing with the block is a crucial individual fundamental for goalkeepers, ensuring they play an active role in the team’s defensive structure. By anticipating long passes, and adjusting their positioning with the defensive line, goalkeepers can minimize risks, maintain balance and deny opponents scoring opportunities.

For coaches, emphasizing these principles during training sessions can unlock the full potential of the goalkeeper’s role, turning them into a pivotal figure in both defensive and offensive phases of play. By mastering these fundamentals, goalkeepers can elevate their game and become true tactical assets for their teams.

Learn more about individual fundamentals for all positions with the Ekkono Individual Performance Secrets, included in all our membership plans. More information here.