When to introduce the goalkeeper role

The position of goalkeeper and how it is developed in the youth game is a popular topic of discussion for coaches.

“A fundamental benefit to player development of eliminating goalkeepers in 4v4 small-sided games has been the requirement for players to engage fully in the play from back to front. No longer do defenders wait for the ’keeper to sweep up behind – they must turn, recover and use moves to escape attacking pressure.”

 

- David Newbery - youth coach, Phoenix Rising FC Managing Director, Coaching Media Group

David Newbery’s thoughtful and positive opinion (right) aligns with US Soccer’s game formats, which promotes 4v4 at U8s and the introduction of the goalkeeper in 7v7 at U9s.

Other equally experienced coaches, though, will argue for goalkeepers in games at U8s and below. I believe introducing the position as early as possible can have significant development benefits.

Foremost among those is the enjoyment all players get from seeing the ball go into the net past a goalkeeper. Also, a lot of young players like the uniqueness of the position and covet a pair of gloves that distinguishes them from the other players.

The position can develop hand-eye co-ordination and tumbling skills. A youth goalkeeper can be as athletic, if not more so, than their team-mates and can develop the same technical requirements of the outfielders.

Where the introduction of goalkeeping at the earliest ages can be detrimental stems from the innocent mismanagement of training and game environments.

A player in the U6s to U10s ages should never be required to play goalkeeper. If no-one wants to go in goal, rotate the players through the position with great frequency.

Another challenge comes in the form of the goal dimensions. A 6x18 or 7x21 goal makes no sense for a child from U6s to U10s because anything well hit and with any great height is essentially unstoppable, and they cannot really develop a skillset for shot stopping.

At the same time the outfield players who strike the ball firmly only have to do so in the crudest way, without thought to placement and the corresponding technical demand.

Where coaches can support it, I would encourage introducing the goalkeeper position at very young ages. For development value, the goals would not be very tall – ideally lower than the height of the children – but should be significantly wide.

An exclusion zone around the goal, perhaps a D-shape, would provide some assurance of safety for ’keepers and further challenge players to strike the ball with power and placement in equal measure.

Clubs can take ownership of the best approach for the development of goalkeepers and the best game format for player development.

Lots of models exist and I would support those that reduce numbers on the field, allowing for the meaningful involvement of all participants and offer developmentally appropriate challenges to technique.

Also, how one playing format at one age intentionally and thoughtfully graduates the players to the next playing model is critical.

The debate is a healthy one. For example, 2v2 to 5v5 to 8v8 to 11v11 is one approach with merit - as is 4v4 to 7v7 to 9v9 to 11v11.

Federations provide guidance and in some cases mandate, as is their remit. However, clubs and coaches should exercise autonomy whenever they can, to create environments that foster enjoyment and developmentally appropriate technical and physical challenge.

There is a time, place and method to introduce young children to the joys of being the number one. When in doubt, ask the children what they think is fun - they may be the best resource you have.