Soccer Goalie Distribution

I’m about to guide you through all the different ways a soccer goalie can distribute the ball and show you the right techniques for each and every way.

But before I do, I’ll just tell you a few important things you have to keep in mind when distributing the ball.

- Know where you want to distribute the ball to before you even get it/ or at least very soon after you’ve got it

- Get rid of the ball quickly and accurately if there is the chance to set up an attack- if not keep hold of it until you find someone who is free

- Know what pace and height you need the ball to travel at to reach its target effectively + know how you are going to distribute the ball

These key factors should become clearer as we go along because when you get the hang of the different ways to distribute the ball, they should just fall into place…

Drop Kicks

Drop kicks/out of hand kicks are perhaps the most common type of distribution- the advantage is that the soccer goalie can get the ball a long way down the field in one go.

The downside is that the ball doesn’t always find the right player and possession will often be lost to the opposition. Despite this, it is probably the most important of all the distribution techniques so it is vital you can do a good drop kick.

1) The ball is in your hands and you are standing only a few yards away from the edge of your penalty area

2) Angle your body very slightly towards the side of your kicking foot

3) Get you hands out ready to drop the ball

4) Take a step forward with your kicking foot then put your non kicking foot even further forward than that

5) Begin to drop the soccer ball

6) Begin to start your backswing with your kicking leg

7) Lean back slightly

As the ball is falling bring your kicking foot forward and keep your eye on the ball

9) Drive your kicking foot through the ball with the correct timing as the ball gets to a comfortable height to kick

10) Keep your eye on the ball and follow through with your kicking leg as the ball sails into the sky hopefully going beyond the half way line if you are an adult

Goal Kicks

Goal kicks are one of the most regular practices for a soccer goalie, but one of the hardest techniques to get the hang of.

It still amazes me how professional keepers can kick the ball from one penalty box to the other- but I suppose they are pros who have had a lot of practice.

So if you’re just learning to play soccer or to improve your game and can reach the half way line with a goalkick, you will be doing VERY VERY well! If not, try to get your kick as close (distance wise) to the centre circle as possible and that will be impressive too!

Here’s the technique a soccer goalie needs;

1) Stand some yards back from the ball and slightly to one side so that you can approach the ball with your kicking foot

2) Run up to the ball

3) Place your non kicking foot near to the ball (to the side)

4) Bring the arm closest to your kicking foot forwards for balance

5) Lean back slightly

6) Take a back swing with your kicking leg

7) Drive your kicking foot forwards into the ball- kicking with your laces, getting underneath it as much as possible so you drive it upwards and forwards. Get as much power and momentum as possible.

Follow your kicking leg right through the ball into the air (don’t just clip the ball and let your foot stop where the ball was)

Don’t worry if your kicks aren’t amazing. Goal kicks take years to get the hang of… trust me!

Over Arm Throw

This kind of distribution is ideal for a soccer goalie to get the ball to people in his own half (or in the opposition half if you are David James- England keeper!)

1) Face the direction you want to throw the ball

2) Keep your feet wide apart

3) Hold the ball behind you in your throwing hand

4) Put your weight on you front foot

4) Keep your non throwing hand out in front of you for balance

5) Bring your throwing arm upwards and over. If you want to throw the ball high, release it at the balls’ highest point. If you want to throw the ball lower then release it when the arm has come lower having gone over the top.

Rolling

Here’s how a soccer goalie can roll the ball to a defender who is close by and in space;

1) Face towards where you want the ball to go

2) Put forwards the foot which is the other side to your throwing arm and lean forwards, putting your weight on it

3) Bend your back leg (the leg closest to your throwing arm) so that it is close to the ground

4) Bring your non throwing arm forwards for balance and aim

5) Bring your throwing arm backwards with your open palm under the ball

6) Bring your throwing arm forwards again and release the ball so it rolls along the ground to your defender. Let your arm follow through in the direction you have rolled the ball- the same line your arm has been moving in to roll the ball

Javelin Throw

1) Face the direction you want the ball to go

2) Bring your thrwoing arm back to around head height so the ball is in your hand near to your shoulder

3) Bring your non throwing arm forwards for balance and aim

4) Bring forwards the foot furthest away from your throwing arm and lean forwards on that foot

5) Bring your throwing arm forwards. If you want to throw the ball high then bring your arm forwards/upwards and release the ball at its highest point- propelling it upwards. If you don’t want the ball to go too high, bring you arm forwards/straight and release the ball once it is out in front of your head.