How Ball Distribution Can Make or Break a Goalkeeper’s Performance
Ball distribution is one of the most important skills for a modern goalkeeper. It is not enough to just make saves and keep the ball out of the net. A GK also needs to be able to use various methods of distribution to pick out players, start off an attack, or clear the ball from danger.
Ball distribution can be defined as the ability to pass, throw, or kick the ball accurately and effectively from the goalkeeper’s possession. It requires vision, technique, decision-making, and communication skills. A goalkeeper with good ball distribution can help his team in many ways, such as:
- Retaining possession of the ball and preventing the opposition from pressing
- Launching a counterattack faster and catching the opposition off guard
- Staying more in sync with defenders and providing more options for them
- Creating more opportunities to push the ball forward and support the attack
- Boosting confidence and leadership on the pitch
- Impressing coaches and scouts with versatility and intelligence
On the other hand, a goalkeeper with poor ball distribution can hurt his team in many ways, such as:
- Losing possession of the ball and inviting pressure from the opposition
- Wasting time and slowing down the tempo of the game
- Being out of sync with defenders and leaving gaps for the opposition to exploit
- Missing chances to create or score goals
- Losing confidence and leadership on the pitch
- Frustrating coaches and teammates with mistakes and inconsistency
Therefore, it is crucial for goalkeepers to practice their ball distribution skills regularly and master different techniques. There are four main goalkeeper distribution techniques that every keeper should know:
Back Pass
A back pass is when a defender passes the ball back to the goalkeeper, who then has to decide whether to control the ball or clear it away immediately. A back pass can be a useful way to relieve pressure from the opposition, but it can also be risky if not executed well.
A goalkeeper has to offer himself as an option to his teammates and communicate clearly with them. He also has to be comfortable using both feet and be aware of his surroundings. A goalkeeper has to make a crucial decision with any back pass: should he take an extra touch or hit it first time?
He should take an extra touch when:
- The back pass is played with pace, spin, or height that makes it difficult to hit first time
- There is no imminent threat from the opposition and he has time to set up the ball where he wants it
- The ball is played to his weaker foot and he wants to shift it over to his strong side
He should hit it first time when:
- The back pass is played short and he has to sprint to the ball to beat the attacker
- The opposition is close and he expects to be pressured very quickly
- The back pass is played conveniently at a pace that can be struck first time
When clearing the ball, a goalkeeper should aim for wide areas or target players who can hold up the ball or win aerial duels. He should avoid playing the ball back into dangerous areas or giving it away cheaply.
Throwing
Throwing is when a goalkeeper throws the ball with his hands to a teammate after making a save or catching a cross. Throwing can be a very effective way to start a counterattack or switch play quickly.
A goalkeeper has to scan the field and look for open teammates before throwing the ball. He also has to choose the right type of throw depending on the distance, angle, and trajectory he wants to achieve. There are three main types of throws that a goalkeeper should know:
- Underarm throw: This is when a goalkeeper throws the ball under his arm like a bowling motion. This is useful for short distances and low trajectories.
- Sidearm throw: This is when a goalkeeper throws the ball from his side like a baseball motion. This is useful for medium distances and medium trajectories.
- Overarm throw: This is when a goalkeeper throws the ball over his head like a javelin motion. This is useful for long distances and high trajectories.
When throwing the ball, a goalkeeper should aim for space or target players who can run onto the ball or control it well. He should avoid throwing the ball into crowded areas or out of bounds.
Goal Kick
A goal kick is when a goalkeeper kicks the ball from his hands or from the ground after it goes out of play behind his goal line. A goal kick can be a good way to restart play or change tactics.
A goalkeeper has to follow certain rules when taking a goal kick, such as:
- The ball must be placed within the goal area (the smaller box inside the penalty area)
- The ball must leave the penalty area before another player can touch it
- The goalkeeper cannot touch the ball again until another player touches it
A goalkeeper has to decide whether to kick the ball long or short depending on the situation and the instructions from his coach. He also has to choose the right type of kick depending on the power, accuracy, and spin he wants to achieve. There are two main types of kicks that a goalkeeper should know:
- Instep kick: This is when a goalkeeper kicks the ball with the inside of his foot. This is useful for short or medium distances and more accuracy and control.
- Laces kick: This is when a goalkeeper kicks the ball with the top of his foot. This is useful for long distances and more power and speed.
When kicking the ball, a goalkeeper should aim for wide areas or target players who can win headers or flick-ons. He should avoid kicking the ball into the middle of the field or to the opposition.
Drop Kick
A drop kick is when a goalkeeper drops the ball from his hands and kicks it before it hits the ground. A drop kick can be a very powerful and unpredictable way to launch the ball forward.
A goalkeeper has to time his drop and kick perfectly to get the best result. He also has to choose the right type of drop kick depending on the bounce, spin, and curve he wants to achieve. There are two main types of drop kicks that a goalkeeper should know:
- Side drop kick: This is when a goalkeeper drops the ball from his side and kicks it with his instep. This is useful for medium or long distances and more accuracy and control.
- Front drop kick: This is when a goalkeeper drops the ball in front of him and kicks it with his laces. This is useful for long distances and more power and speed.
When drop kicking the ball, a goalkeeper should aim for space or target players who can run onto the ball or control it well. He should avoid drop kicking the ball into crowded areas or out of bounds.
Conclusion
Ball distribution is a vital skill for a modern goalkeeper that can make or break his performance. A goalkeeper with good ball distribution can help his team in many ways, while a goalkeeper with poor ball distribution can hurt his team in many ways.
Therefore, goalkeepers should practice their ball distribution skills regularly and master different techniques, such as back passes, throws, goal kicks, and drop kicks. By doing so, they can become more versatile, intelligent, and confident on the pitch.