Soccer Goalkeeper Communication Tips

Covering Players

A goalkeeper should remain mentally involved in the game at all times. A goalkeeper who only switches on mentally when the ball enters shooting range is not maximizing their potential as an individual or fully benefitting their team. When the ball is in the opposition half the goalkeeper should be monitoring the situation and surveying the scene for adjustments that must be made if possession is lost to avoid dangerous counter attacks. An example of this is illustrated in diagram A below;

Diagram A

Created with Coachfx

In diagram A defender X2 went up and joined the attack creating problems for the opposition. This is a good position offensively, however the goalkeeper should be aware that if a turnover occurs the team is at danger of a counter attack in the right defensive spot. Imagine O3 winning a tackle and playing a long ball down the sideline for X9 to chase. This would create big problems on the counter attack and the goalkeeper should be monitoring the situation. The best adjustment to communicate would be to tell X5 to pressure the ball and have X3 or X4 slide over. Adjustments like this are not instant and as such the goalkeeper should communicate immediately, preferably when the ball is on the halfway line or in the opposing half.

As the ball crosses halfway at all times the goalkeeper should go through a mental checklist and communicate any adjustments that must be made;

• Are the central forwards covered goal side and at arm’s length.
• Are the fullbacks covering wide player’s goal side.
• Are runners from midfield being tracked.

Loud, Urgent and Specific

How a goalkeeper communicates is equally as important as what he communicates. Goalkeeper should use a loud and commanding voice to give instruction when their team is defending. Softly spoken keepers not only run the obvious risk of not being heard, but can also convey a lack of confidence to their teammates. A goalkeeper should look to exude command and confidence through his voice tone and body language.

In addition to volume and tone, a goalkeeper must also pay attention to giving specific instructions. Standing in your goal mouth yelling “cover him” or “pass the ball” is unproductive and useless. Communicate only what you want to happen, do not criticize after the fact and make your adjustments before the fact. For example if a right winger gets the ball do not then begin adjustments, see the game developing and adjust your teammates as he gets into space.

Avoid vague instructions such as “mark up number 7”. If you shout that you are not addressing anyone and all your teammates may think you are talking to someone else. Find the nearest defender and address them by name to best get their attention. A good adjustment would be “Steve, to your left, number 7”.

Praise your teammates throughout the game and keep an ongoing dialogue throughout the game of instruction and encouragement. If your voice is only heard to comment on mistakes you will become an irritating noise that defenders will drown out.

Counter Attack

A good and aware goalkeeper can become a dangerous counter attacking weapon. For example if the ball is caught from a cross an opposition midfielder will be high and out of position if the goalkeeper catches the cross. Sending a teammate into the open flank and quickly releasing the ball can cause a quick break.

When the ball is cleared the goalkeeper should push his defenders up and out of the area up to halfway. Sitting back can allow forwards to sit in deep attacking positions and remain onside.

ACTION PLAN for Good GoalKeeper Communication

• Convey confidence and urgency.
• Speak loud.
• Be specific in your instructions.
• Retain an ongoing and consistent dialogue throughout games.