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Lesson 7 - Goalkeeping Skills and Positioning

Individual Control to Team Play

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Year 5

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can goalkeepers use positioning and quick reactions to protect their goal effectively?

Learning Objectives

To develop fundamental goalkeeping techniques including catching and positioning
To understand how angle and positioning affect a goalkeeper's ability to make saves
To apply quick decision-making skills in goalkeeping situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct catching technique for high and low balls
Students will position themselves effectively to narrow shooting angles
Students will show improved reaction times and decision-making as goalkeepers

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for goals, boundaries, and positioning markers

Alternative: Markers, spots, or improvised markers using water bottles

Softballs

15 (1 per pair plus extras)

Ensure balls are properly inflated for realistic bounces and catches

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, or tennis balls for students needing easier catching practice

Team bibs

30 (enough for all students)

Distributed to create clear team identification in games

Alternative: Coloured pinnies, different coloured shirts, or arm bands

Key Vocabulary

Angle positioning

Positioning yourself in the goal so you're between the ball and the centre of the goal, narrowing the shooter's target

Ready position

The stance goalkeepers use - knees bent, weight on balls of feet, hands ready, eyes on ball

W shape catch

Hand position for catching high balls - thumbs almost touching behind the ball, fingers spread wide

Triangle positioning

Imagining lines from each goalpost to the ball, and positioning yourself within that triangle

Narrowing the angle

Moving closer to the shooter to reduce the amount of goal they can see and aim at

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of goal area and basic football rules
Experience with moving and stopping in response to visual cues

Current Skills

Correct hand positioning for high and low catches
Understanding angle positioning relative to ball and goal
Quick reaction training with hands starting from restrictive positions

Next Steps

Advanced shot-stopping techniques including diving
Distribution skills - throwing and kicking from goal
Reading the game and organising defensive teammates

Milestone Indicators

Consistently catches balls thrown within arm's reach

Moves position appropriately when ball location changes

Shows improved reaction times throughout the session

Key Teaching Points

Triangle positioning is fundamental - imagine lines from each goalpost to the ball
Correct hand positioning varies by ball height - W shape for high, little fingers together for low
Ready position essential - knees bent, weight on balls of feet, eyes on ball
Communication between goalkeepers vital for two-goal games
Quick reactions develop through practice with restrictive starting positions
Angle positioning narrows goal target for shooters
Decision-making improves through game pressure situations

Common Misconceptions

Staying on goal line is safest - actually coming forward narrows angles better
Catching any way works - specific hand positions prevent drops and injuries
Goalkeeping is just about stopping shots - positioning prevents shots happening
Only physical skills matter - communication and decision-making equally important
Two goalkeepers means less work - requires more communication and organisation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, specific roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration and practice time

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if overwhelmed by game noise

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated goalkeeping version using hands only, adapted equipment like larger balls, modified goal sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Understanding angles and triangles in positioning, measuring distances for optimal setup, calculating success rates in catching

Science

Forces involved in ball trajectory and catching, reaction times and nervous system responses, physics of angle reduction

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directional movement and relative positions

PSHE

Leadership skills as goalkeeper, communication and teamwork, resilience when making errors, supporting teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing visibility of all groups, move between activities to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct catching technique, effective positioning relative to ball, and safe play throughout

Intervention Points

Step in if catching technique is unsafe, positioning is consistently poor, or game play becomes too intense

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show techniques clearly, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key points visually

Verbal Cues

•'Make that W shape!'
•'Stay in your triangle!'
•'Light on your feet!'
•'Watch the ball into your hands!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m area, clear of obstacles, suitable for multiple small-sided games

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, debris, or water hazards, suitable for running and diving movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or broken pieces
•Verify team bands are not too tight and won't cause injury

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during games
•Injury from poor catching technique or hard shots
•Slips and falls when moving quickly to track ball

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain adequate spacing between activity groups
•Enforce underarm throwing only during catching practice
•Ensure controlled shooting power appropriate for age group
•Teach and reinforce safe goalkeeping techniques including safe falling

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple groups during skills practice
•Monitor game intensity and intervene if play becomes too physical
•Watch for student fatigue and provide breaks as needed

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injured student, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if required