Uhlsport Gloves Ergonomic Hardground SF/PR

Soccer Goalkeeping - Techniques - Tactics - Equipment - Drills - Tips

Distribution - Goal Kicks

A Goal Kick is a method of restarting play. A Goal Kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the attacking team, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10.

A Goal Kick may be taken by any player on the team, but it is highly recommended that the goalkeeper be responsibile for taking all Goal Kicks unless he is injured.

It will put the team at a heavy disadvantage if the goalkeeper is unable to properly execute his own Goal Kicks.

A goal may be scored directly from a Goal Kick, but only against the opposing team.

Preliminary Movements

Place the ball onto the ground lightly to ensure there is a little bit of space between the ground and the ball ("tee" it up).

The goalkeeper should line up behind the ball and just slightly to the side of it. The goalkeeper must be far enough away from the ball so that he is able to reach almost maximum running speed before making contact with the ball.

Before the goalkeeper starts his approach to the ball he should survey the entire field of play for an intended target.

The goalkeeper will execute four quick running strides before his final long, large stride (Backswing). The goalkeeper will execute five strides in total.

The first two strides are short and fast, while the last two are longer and more powerful.

Key Points

"Tee" up the ball
Position behind the ball and at a slight angle
Pick a target
Four strides
Run at the ball

Backswing / Recovery Movement

The goalkeepers last stride before he contacts the ball should be as long as possible.

The heel of the kicking foot should be extended behind the body and be lifted until it is parallel in height with the buttocks. Ankle of the kicking foot should be locked in a downwards position.

The heel of the non-kicking foot should be lined up directly beside the ball and about 8-10 inches away from it. The leg of the non-kicking foot should be slightly bent.

The goalkeeper should try to maintain good posture with the upper half of the body (head and shoulders over the hips).

The opposite arm of the kicking foot should be lifted to about head height for balance.

Key Points

Eye on the ball
Last stride is long and powerful
Heel of non-kicking foot beside the ball
Non-kicking leg slightly bent
Heel of kicking foot level with buttocks
Opposite arm up and out to the side
Maintain good posture

Force-Producing Movement

The goalkeepers eyes should now be firmly focused on the ball.

The goalkeeper should tighten the core muscles and try to maintain good, strong posture with the upper half of the body.

The kicking foot drives down through the lower half of the ball while the leg/knee straightens and locks into position.

The opposite arm of the kicking foot should now be swung down across the body to maintain good balance and counter-act the motion of the kicking leg.

Drive the hips forward into the ball.

To generate the most power and distance the goalkeeper must strike directly through the center of the ball.

Key Points

Eye on the ball
Tighten stomach muscles
Drive kicking foot through bottom of the ball
Kicking leg should be locked straight
Opposite arm drives down across the body
Push hips forward

The Critical Instant

The goalkeeper must contact the lower half of the ball with the laces of his kicking foot.

The hips, shoulders and head should be positioned over the ball to generate as much power as possible.

The eyes should be focused directly on the ball.

Key Points

Eye on the ball
Upper/Lower body locked
Hips over the ball
Contact lower half of the ball at the center
Use the laces

The Follow-Through

After the goalkeeper has contacted the ball he needs to try and maintain as much body speed as possible through the ball.

To do this he must follow through the ball with the kicking foot in such a way to ensure that he lands (steps onto) the kicking foot well in front of the ball.

If the goalkeeper does this properly, the non-kicking foot will also have to move forwards after the kick has been executed.

The goalkeepers entire body should finish well past the point of where the ball was originally placed before the kick was executed.