How to be a better walking football goalkeeper

 

I have already done a generic session for players to follow, but this session aims to address one or two key points specific to certain positions.

 

This approach will start with the most crucial position, arguably!

 

GOALKEEPERS. 

The ideal goalkeeper (for both mainstream AND walking football) is one who is a great shot stopper, also commands their area and is able to block the angle of a shot. 

Finally they should be a great distributor of the ball, so not only the last line of defence but also the first line of attack!

 

The main difference with goalkeepers to the “conventional game” is that, in Walking Football, they do not have to catch crosses – as the ball is not allowed above head height! 

 

My ideal goalkeeper, from football history, for this version of the game would be Peter Schmeichel, however in today's game I would suggest that Alisson Becker (at Liverpool FC) would be an even better choice!

 

The reason that these two keepers in particular would be so good in “our game”, is that they are aware of their area, the goal position, and are great “shot stoppers”, plus, as with any great goalkeeper, they both have a huge amount of bravery. 

 

Shot stopping means using all parts of your body, not just your hands, to protect your goal

If the ball goes out of play, at least you get another chance to stop a goal; so, remember a keeper’s FIRST (and main) priority is to stop the ball going in the goal. Anything else is a bonus!

 

STOPPING GOALS

So, always know where your goal is and where you are in relation to this.

To help with this, mark out “reference” points (without the referee seeing!) in your area so that you are alway on a “virtual line” between the ball and the centre of the goal, then get your hands/feet/body on “that line” and force the striker to shoot wide of you!

And, remember, the closer you are to the ball (whilst staying inside your area) then the less of a target the attacker has to score past you!

 

DISTRIBUTION

With Allison particularly, a big strength of his game is his distribution; and in Walking Football quick distribution and decision making is vital, otherwise opponents get set and intercept the ball! 

My biggest criticism of walking football keepers is that they take too long to distribute the ball and their targets get marked before the ball is released!! 

Never forget, only a team with the ball can score and only a team with the ball cannot let goals in (except own goals - for the clever b***ers!)

 

Too many keepers try to be too clever and distribute “sneakily” but losing the ball is the cardinal sin! 

It’s better to keep it simple and pass/throw accurately, even if it means giving it to the closest player!

 

Outfield players can also help their keepers by making the effort to get into a position to receive a ball whilst they are 

• Unmarked

• Unblocked 

This means a bit more effort, but is worth it for the benefit of the team!

 

So, in summary

As you will see there are many techniques and requirements in Walking Football, that are also needed in the “conventional game”, and this is particularly relevant in goal!

 

Therefore the need to practice goalkeeping is just as vital in Walking Football as it is in “conventional football”. 

Just putting someone in goal for the sake of it, doesn’t really help a team, as the keeper is not just an additional player, he is a crucial member of any team!

 

Take on these goalkeeping tips and you will find that you are a better walking footballer, but you will also enjoy the game far more. 

And, as with any outfield player;

- your team is more likely to succeed

- you get better enjoyment

- you feel that you are still playing the GREAT GAME OF FOOTBALL

 

 

Extra notes - for newer keepers!

Goalkeeping - some cheats/tips - for a “new” goalkeeper - these tips also apply to “mainstream” 11 a side keepers!

 

REMEMBER - YOUR FIRST AND MAIN PRIORITY IS TO STOP THE BALL GOING OVER YOUR LINE FOR A GOAL, ANYTHING ELSE IS A BONUS!!

 

Tips

• Wherever the ball is ON the pitch get onto an IMAGINARY line from the centre of the goal to the ball and stay on that “line”

• Mark out “reference” points around your area, so that you always know your bearings

• ANY time the ball is in your area JUST PICK IT UP (once it’s safely in your hands you’ve done your main job and the opponents cannot score!), worry about what to do next after this!! The exception is if you see an early passing opportunity, but still make the save first!!

• The further up the pitch the ball is, then the further up the area that you should be - NEVER STAND ON YOUR LINE ESPECIALLY IF YOUR TEAM HAS THE BALL

• If a forward is coming towards you “one on one (1:1”)” never step backwards - just work out your “imaginary line” and move UP it towards them (if they put it to your side and into the net don’t worry!!), always stay between them and the centre of the goal

• Shout instructions to your teammates during the game, it’s their job to protect you and stop the opponents getting near your goal - you’re not being “horrible” just trying to help the team!!

 

Practice

• Find someone to walk through  through and shoot at the goal and you practice “getting into line and in the way”

• Practice catching a ball and “securing it” in and around the stomach

• Practice walking and general fitness work - keepers have to be fit to move around during a game.

 

DO ALL OF THE ABOVE AND YOU’LL BE A VERY GOOD GOALKEEPER