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Lesson 7 - Goalkeeping Skills and Positioning

Advanced Techniques & Tactics

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Year 6

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can a goalkeeper's positioning and quick reactions be the difference between victory and defeat?

Learning Objectives

To develop goalkeeping skills including positioning and shot-stopping
To understand and apply defensive positioning principles
To improve reaction times and decision-making under pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved goalkeeping positioning and angle management
Students will show quick reaction times when making saves
Students will understand how to communicate effectively as a goalkeeper

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for goals, boundaries, and positioning markers

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or plastic bottles

Softballs

15 (1 per pair minimum)

Ensure balls are properly inflated and suitable for age group

Alternative: Soft play balls for younger or less confident students

Team bibs

30 (different colours)

Two different colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured cones to hold, paper bands

Key Vocabulary

Angle

The space between the goalposts that an attacker can see and aim for

Ready position

Balanced stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move

W-shape

Hand position for catching high balls with thumbs almost touching

Shot-stopping

The goalkeeper's ability to prevent the ball from entering the goal

Distribution

How the goalkeeper returns the ball to their team after making a save

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 and scoring concepts
Ability to move and react to visual stimuli

Current Skills

Goalkeeping positioning and angle management
Quick reaction saves and shot-stopping
Communication and defensive organisation

Next Steps

Advanced goalkeeping techniques including diving
Distribution skills from goalkeeping position
Reading the game and anticipating attacks

Milestone Indicators

Consistently positions between ball and centre of goal

Catches balls with correct W-shape hand positioning

Adjusts position as play develops

Key Teaching Points

Goalkeeper positioning: stay in the triangle between ball and goalposts
Ready position: knees bent, weight on balls of feet, eyes on ball
Catching technique: W-shape for high balls, little fingers together for low balls
Communication is vital: goalkeepers must organise their defence
Quick reactions: explosive movement from ready position
Angle management: position to make target as small as possible
Constant adjustment: move as the ball moves to maintain optimal position

Common Misconceptions

Standing on goal line provides best protection (should come forward to narrow angle)
Only need to react when shot is taken (should adjust position constantly as ball moves)
Catching technique is same for all ball heights (different hand positions needed)
Goalkeepers work alone (communication and organisation are crucial)
Diving is always necessary (good positioning reduces need for spectacular saves)

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent feedback and encouragement, allow movement breaks

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, slow down ball speed, provide extra practice time, offer step-by-step coaching

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of activities, offer quiet breaks if overwhelmed, use consistent routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and goals, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, establish hand signals for communication

physical disability

Adapt to seated goalkeeping from wheelchair, use larger balls and goals, modify distances appropriately

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles and geometry through understanding shooting angles, measuring distances for goal setup, calculating success rates

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, physics of ball trajectory, reaction times and nervous system responses

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of coordinates and mapping through field positioning

PSHE

Leadership and communication skills, building confidence, supporting teammates, resilience after setbacks

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during skill practices, position to see multiple goals during game phase

Observation Focus

Watch for correct angle positioning, proper catching technique, and safe diving attempts

Intervention Points

Step in if shooting becomes too aggressive, if positioning is consistently poor, or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show positioning, clearly demonstrate hand shapes for catching, model communication between goalkeepers

Verbal Cues

•'Stay in the triangle!'
•'W-shape for high balls!'
•'Adjust your angle!'
•'Quick feet, quick thinking!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m for full lesson, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, wet patches, or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated and not damaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify team bands are not torn or have sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during games
•Ball impacts during shooting practice
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Overexertion during diving attempts

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Emphasis on controlled shooting within capability
•Regular hydration breaks and intensity monitoring

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple groups simultaneously
•Monitor physical exertion levels, especially during game phase
•Watch for proper catching technique to prevent finger injuries
•Ensure diving attempts are within safe capability

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional help if needed