Lesson 7 - Goalkeeping Skills and Positioning
Advanced Techniques & Tactics
•Year 6
•Football
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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
Used for goals, boundaries, and positioning markers
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or plastic bottles
Ensure balls are properly inflated and suitable for age group
Alternative: Soft play balls for younger or less confident students
Two different colours for team identification
Alternative: Coloured cones to hold, paper bands
Key Vocabulary
The space between the goalposts that an attacker can see and aim for
Balanced stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move
Hand position for catching high balls with thumbs almost touching
The goalkeeper's ability to prevent the ball from entering the goal
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
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