Analysis of English professional goalkeeper
match actions over two competitive seasons:
Implications for the coaching process
Andy Elleray and Gareth Jones
University of Worcester, Worcester, UK
Introduction
• Traditionally the goalkeeper’s contribution to a
football game has been associated with handling skills
such as shot stopping and catching crosses.
• Previous studies within goalkeeping in this area have
predominantly focused on:
• Activity profiles (Di Salvo et al., 2008)
• Laboratory biomechnaics (Sørensen et al., 2008)
Introduction
• New FIFA goalkeeping initiatives
• FIFA ‘Goalkeeper Intervention study‘ (2012)
• 43 high profile competitive matches
• 66% of the goalkeeper’s interventions involved their
feet e.g: distribution
FIFA 2012
FIFA 2012
Introduction
• New FIFA goalkeeping initiatives
• FIFA ‘Goalkeeper Intervention study‘ (2012)
• 43 high profile competitive matches
• 66% of the goalkeeper’s interventions involved their
feet e.g: distribution
• Very little research has been carried out in this area
of goalkeeper match profiling
Method 1
• Match analysis:
• 92 games of a professional English football league two
level team, over two whole seasons, the following
parameters considered:
• Interventions with feet (Through ball; dribble and
drive; Goal kick; Back pass; Hand kick)
• Interventions with hands (Save; Catch cross; Throw
out; Back pass)
Action
Definition
Save
Goalkeeper generally makes a save with any part of their body
Cross
Having to deal with a crossed ball
Through Balls
When the goalkeeper deals with a through ball or over hit pass
into the penalty area
Dribble and Drive
Goalkeeper will place the ball on the floor to distribute when the
balls in hand
Thrown Out
Goalkeeper has thrown the ball out
Hand Kick
Goalkeeper kicks the ball out of their hands
Goal Kick/Free Kick
Goalkeeper takes a goal kick or a free kick
Back Pass
Goalkeeper has been presented with a back pass to deal with
Method 2
• Training analysis:
• A typical week of professional goalkeeper training was
also examined through observation
• The various training activities were monitored and the
time allocated to each area calculated as a percentage
Match Analysis Results
Goalkeepers intervened nearly three times as much
with their feet as with their hands. Results for the
2009/10 season were:
16%
24%
Save
Cross
8%
Through Balls
Dribble and Drive
5%
16%
7%
22%
2%
Thrown Out
Hand Kick
Goal Kick
Back Pass
Match Analysis Results
Results for the 2010/11 season were:
14%
Save
29%
7%
Cross
Through Balls
4%
6%
5%
14%
21%
Dribble and Drive
Thrown Out
Hand Kick
Goal Kick
Back Pass
Observational training Results
• The ‘typical week’s training’ included time spent in the
following activities:
• Intervention with hands specific training (specific shot
stopping and handling sessions, 36%)
• Interventions with both hands and feet (Team based
shooting, phase of play sessions, team shape and small
sided games, 36%) and gym based sessions (28%)
Day
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Training
 *GK training without GK coach
 Team based training
 Gym work
 *GK specific training (handling/shot stopping)
 Team based training
 Gym work
Off
Saturday
 *GK specific training (handling shot stopping)
 Team based training
 Gym work
 *GK training without GK coach
 Team based training
Match
Sunday
Off
Thursday
Friday
*NB: GK Technical sessions do involve both feet & hands – GK serving with feet; occasionally
acting as a shooter….
Discussion
• It is evident from the results that there is a clear
discrepancy between what the goalkeepers actually
do within a competitive situation and within training
scenarios.
• Implications for coaches include: Structure of the
training sessions need to reflect time devoted to
specific match actions in order to create more realistic
training environments; Further emphasis required on
certain areas of the game (distribution as opposed to
shot stopping and reaction training).
The Future?!
The Future?!
• Created ‘Games Based Goalkeeper Training’
concept for youth GKs: 5-12 mainly but can be
used for older age groups
• Based around TGfU environments
• Involves no passive play and works on distribution
(feet & hands) frequently
• 60+ games
• Out this autumn in ‘Scientific Approaches to
Goalkeeping in Football’
Discussion
• GK involvement in team based training and tactical
sessions is of paramount importance
• Based on the results – the GK initiates the play – first
point of attack; Leader!; Organiser!; Playmaker!!!
• Variability of practice – to ensure that all GK
activities are practised…
“It’s a very specialised position and the GK has a very
important role in modern football”, (Alex Vencel, FIFA
GK Instructor, 2012)
References
Di-Salvo, V., Benito, P., Calderon, F.J and Pigozzi, F. (2008). Activity
profile of elite goalkeepers during match play. Journal of Sports
Medicine & Physical Fitness, 48, (4), p443-446.
Elleray, A. (2011). A case study comparing current goalkeeper
coaching structures within professional youth football systems in
England , Unpublished MSc manuscript. University of Worcester
FIFA. (2012). The Special Ones. FIFA World Magazine, (26), p53-55.
Sørensen H, Thomassen, M & Zacho, M. (2008). Biomechanical
profile of Danish elite and sub-elite soccer goalkeepers. Football
(Science), 5, p37–44
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