What It Means To Be An “Attacking” Goalkeeper

Nick over at The Offside dug up an old video of goalkeeping great Peter Schmeichel scoring a cheeky goal. It made me think about the “attacking” transition in play that goalkeepers have undertaken since the back pass rule was created. Have you adapted to it? Or are some of us still playing the role of a “line hog”? Being able to effectively aid your attacking line shows great initiative and determination. First the video of Schmeichel in action, then some commentary from me.

Don’t Be Restricted By Your 18 Yard Box: In times where you may be a man down, or you feel that your attacking line can be bolstered by your presence in the oppositions 18, get out over your own 18 yard box and help aid both your defense and your attack. Schmeichel shows how effective an extra man can be during a corner situation in the oppositions half. So, don’t ever be restricted by the 18 yard box, come off your line.

Learn How To Use Your Head: Increasingly, beginner goalkeepers should be developing skills such as trapping the ball, heading and chesting the ball. Schmeichel showed brilliant heading technique and a great ability to place himself in an advantageous position within the oppositions 18 yard box. The video also shows the great use of timing and moving off your man.

Get Strategic: Learn how to use attacking situations wisely. This means, that attacking play (as opposed to just defending your goal) should be a staple part of your overall goalkeeping strategy. Looking for cracks in opposition defense, your own unmarked men in the oppositions territory and quick, dynamic plays in counter attacking situations will help aid your attack, and increase your own effectiveness on the field.

So, some of the above points encompass the need for goalkeepers to continually adapt and become “complete” players. This means, that we should endeavour to not only be great at just goalkeeping, but also great with other facets of the game that are not inherit in the position (like heading and trapping the ball effectively, for example). Look at some of the great things Schmeichel did to contribute to the evolution of the modern goalkeeper and take some notes for yourself to utilize during your own games and training.