Distribution

"If the defender is the last line of Defense, they are therefore the first line of attack.

I find this topic to be one of the less glamorous in the goalkeeping session syllabus, but from what I have seen in games is one of the most important.

We practiced and discussed the following distribution techniques.

The roll - short distances

The javelin throw - slightly longer and quick turnover

The over arm throw - long distance. Low and fast helps set up the attack

Goal kicks - use this time to determine the pace of the game. It's your time.

The volley / punt - Reliable method to clear large distances

The half - volley / drop kick - Useful when playing against wind or to provide accurate, fast attack.

Coaches should make goalkeepers aware of the teams strategy, which may change from game to game. The goalkeeper can then choose the appropriate method of distribution. Teams should be aware that throws are generally quicker and more accurate than kicks, and the keeper can use them to retain possession.

Goal kicks & kicking

For the goalkeeper at this age, it should be the understanding of where and when to use each distribution technique. However, Goal kicks and punts provide the largest problem area for the goalkeepers I have coached throughout my coaching career.

Three aspects that the goalkeepers should be looking to get correct.

Non kicking foot.

Shoulders

Follow through

Punts. - The advantage of the punt is that the ball can be passed over considerable distances and is fairly reliable.

The goalkeeper should drop the ball to the foot rather that toss it up in the air. The half-volley or drop kick has a lower trajectory resulting in the ball going faster and further.

I stressed that rather than distance - which of course every coach / team would like, it is accuracy & consistency that the coaches will be looking for. That way the coach can set up accordingly. Erratic kicking will have a negative effect on the team.

We all agreed that if we were to be quality goalkeepers and an asset to our team we should be taking our own goal kicks. However, the goalkeepers have little time to practice their kicking, especially in a pressure situation. I stress coaches to let the keeper as much as possible, maybe practicing defense v attack at the end of practice rather than a small sided game. If you have two goalkeepers, a small sided game where the GK has to do a goal kick after every save.

Coaches should persevere with their goalkeepers even if their goal kicks are poor. These goalkeepers are at a crucial stage of their development and should not be denied learning experiences such as taking goal kicks. If the keeper is not permitted to take goal kicks their will be little motivation to improve technique.

If as a coach you are worried about the lack of distance achieved by a young keepers kicks you should strategically place defenders in the penalty area so that opponents gaining possession are immediately put under pressure. This is not an illegal play. It is only the opponents that have to take up positions outside the area.

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Leon is Regional Director for UK International Soccer Camps