Basics of Goalkeeping

Where a keeper should position themselves depends on where the free kick is coming from. If it’s far away, the defenders should be instructed to hold a line to prevent attackers from getting too close to the goal. If it’s close enough for a shot on goal, the goalkeeper should focus first on preventing a goal, and second on organizing their defense. If a wall is necessary, don’t move to organize it until you are sure a quick shot isn’t coming. But you can call out how many in the wall, and then line the outside player up between the ball and the post. Direct them by saying how many steps left or right, and then telling them to hold when in the right position.

Understanding Free Kicks

When learning how to position yourself as a soccer goalkeeper during free kicks, it is important to first understand the different types of free kicks and their implications. There are two major types of free kicks in soccer, direct free kicks and indirect free kicks.

Direct free kicks are awarded for more serious infractions such as kicking, tripping, or pushing an opponent. These types of fouls can result in a player being sent off and a direct free kick being given. A direct free kick is taken from the spot of the infraction, and it is taken by a player from the team that was fouled. With direct free kicks, the player taking the kick can score directly from the kick without anyone else touching the ball.

Indirect free kicks are awarded for less serious infractions like holding an opponent, playing in a dangerous manner, or impeding an opponents progress. The kick is taken from the spot of the infraction and it is taken by a player on the team that was fouled. However, with indirect free kicks, the ball must touch another player before it can enter the goal in order to count as a goal.

Now that you understand the different types of free kicks, it is important to understand how you should position yourself as a goalkeeper during a free kick.

Positioning for Defending Free Kicks

When defending a free kick, the goalkeeper must position themselves in order to cover as much of the goal as possible. A goalkeeper’s first priority is to protect their goal, so it’s important that they know where to be when positioning themselves to defend a free kick.

When defending a direct free kick, the goalkeeper should position themselves in the center of the goal, in a ready position. This will allow them to quickly react in any direction should the ball be struck in an unpredictable manner. Maintaining a direct line of sight to the ball is also important so that the keeper can react as quickly as possible. If the free kick is close enough for a shot, the keeper should create a wall and be ready to make a save. If the free kick is from far enough away and a shot isn’t likely, the keeper should be prepared to come off their line to win the ball in the air.

For indirect free kicks, the preparation is basically the same. But because another player must touch the ball before it can count as a goal, the goalkeeper should expect the ball to be served into their area instead of a shot.

Setting Up a Wall

During a free kick where a shot is likely, setting up a defensive wall in front of the kick is a good idea. While the goalkeeper might be able to make a save without it, the wall provides an obstacle to the opponent and can be key to preventing a goal. And don’t forget, the wall needs to be 10 yards away from the kicker.

When setting up a wall, the goalkeeper should keep a few key points in mind. First, it is important to make sure that the goal line is covered at all times – the goalkeeper should wait to see if a quick shot is coming before moving out of position to set up the wall. Once sure that a quick shot isn’t coming, the keeper can move to the near post (the one closest to the ball) and get their wall aligned. The outside player should be in line with the ball and the post. The number of people in the wall will depend on how likely a shot is: the more likely a shot, the more players in the wall, but usually not more than 5. After setting the wall, return to a position in goal that will allow you to cover as much of the goal as possible.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown for setting up a wall if a shot is likely:

Call out how many you want in the wall
Don’t move out of position until you’re sure a quick shot isn’t coming (if the shooter asks for 10, they must wait for the referee to back up your wall)
Move to the near post and line up your outside defender with the post and the ball.
Direct the wall saying “left” or “right” and the number of steps.
Tell the wall “hold” when they’re in a good spot.
Return to a position in goal to give yourself the best chance of making a save: covering as much of the goal as possible and keeper a clear line of sight to the ball.

If you want to hear more about strategies when setting up a wall, you can check out this 6ydBox Podcast.

Communication is Key!

As the goalkeeper, you must communicate! Especially if the other team is given a free kick. Between the time of the foul and the kick, you have to make sure your defense knows what to do and where to be. Here are a couple simple things you should always do during that time:

Don’t complain about the call - you have a job to do! Focus on doing it.
Call out how many players you want in a wall. If not enough step up, call players by name to step in. Don’t be mean, but time is short, so be direct.
Set up your wall according to the details earlier in the article.
Direct your other teammates to mark up touch-tight. Their first job is to disrupt runs into the box, their second job is to win the ball.
Position yourself so that you can make a play on the ball. If a shot is likely, position yourself as if you had no wall. If service is more likely than a shot, position yourself so you can either quickly come off your line to win it in the air, or drop back to make a save.

Stan Anderson and Camp Shutout

Here’s a useful resource you can use to help you set up a wall. This was created by Stan Anderson, who runs one of the premier gk camps in the US, Camp Shutout. You can find more info at https://campshutout.com.

Click here to download Stan’s one-page guide to Building a Wall