Andy Elleray and Gareth Jones University of Worcester, Worcester, UK Analysis of English professional goalkeeper match actions over two competitive seasons: Implications for the coaching process Andy Elleray and Gareth Jones University of Worcester, Worcester, UK

Introduction Traditionally the goalkeeper’s contribution to a football game has been associated with handling skills such as shot stopping and catching crosses. Previous studies within goalkeeping in this area have predominantly focused on: Activity profiles (Di Salvo et al., 2008) Laboratory biomechnaics (Sørensen et al., 2008) Traditionally the goalkeeper’s contribution to a football game has been associated with handling skills such as shot stopping and catching crosses. Previous studies within goalkeeping have predominantly focused on activity profiles (Di Salvo et al., 2008; Sørensen et al., 2008) Give details of the studies………..

Introduction New FIFA goalkeeping initiatives FIFA ‘Goalkeeper Intervention study‘ (2012) 43 high profile competitive matches 66% of the goalkeeper’s interventions involved their feet e.g: distribution (FIFA study has used different KPI‘s – similar but wording different) – print out FIFA % results Very little research has been carried out in this area of goalkeeper match profiling and therefore it is the aim of the present study to further add to the limited evidence available and to consider implications for the coaching process.

FIFA 2012

FIFA 2012 FIFA have a bit more time and technology than I do!!!

Introduction New FIFA goalkeeping initiatives FIFA ‘Goalkeeper Intervention study‘ (2012) 43 high profile competitive matches 66% of the goalkeeper’s interventions involved their feet e.g: distribution Very little research has been carried out in this area of goalkeeper match profiling

Method 1 Match analysis: 92 games of a professional English football league two level team, over two whole seasons, the following parameters considered: Interventions with feet (Through ball; dribble and drive; Goal kick; Back pass; Hand kick) Interventions with hands (Save; Catch cross; Throw out; Back pass) Bigger sample – same GK for each match – same level of football each time

Action Definition Save Goalkeeper generally makes a save with any part of their body Cross Having to deal with a crossed ball Through Balls When the goalkeeper deals with a through ball or over hit pass into the penalty area Dribble and Drive Goalkeeper will place the ball on the floor to distribute when the balls in hand Thrown Out Goalkeeper has thrown the ball out Hand Kick Goalkeeper kicks the ball out of their hands Goal Kick/Free Kick Goalkeeper takes a goal kick or a free kick Back Pass Goalkeeper has been presented with a back pass to deal with

Method 2 Training analysis: A typical week of professional goalkeeper training was also examined through observation The various training activities were monitored and the time allocated to each area calculated as a percentage

Match Analysis Results Goalkeepers intervened nearly three times as much with their feet as with their hands. Results for the 2009/10 season were: Results for the 2009/10 season were: Interventions with feet 69% (Dribble and Drive 7%; Goal kick 16%; Back pass 24%; Hand kick 22%); Interventions with hands 31% (Saves 16%; Cross 8%; Throw out 2%; Through Ball 5%).

Match Analysis Results Results for the 2010/11 season were: The following season 2010/11 results reported: Interventions with feet 70% (Dribble and Drive 6%; Goal kick 14%; Back pass 29%; Hand kick 21%); Interventions with hands 30% (Saves 14%; Cross 7%; Throw out 5%; Through Balls 4%). OVER 2 SEASONS 69.5% FEET – 30.5% HANDS

Observational training Results The ‘typical week’s training’ included time spent in the following activities: Intervention with hands specific training (specific shot stopping and handling sessions, 36%) Interventions with both hands and feet (Team based shooting, phase of play sessions, team shape and small sided games, 36%) and gym based sessions (28%)

*GK training without GK coach Team based training Gym work Tuesday Monday *GK training without GK coach Team based training Gym work Tuesday *GK specific training (handling/shot stopping) Wednesday Off Thursday *GK specific training (handling shot stopping) Friday *GK training without GK coach Saturday Match Sunday NB – younger GKs should practice their distribution in handling exercises by serving the ball – although the argument amongst GK coaches is that this can at times compromise the quality of sessions *NB: GK Technical sessions do involve both feet & hands – GK serving with feet; occasionally acting as a shooter….

Discussion It is evident from the results that there is a clear discrepancy between what the goalkeepers actually do within a competitive situation and within training scenarios. Implications for coaches include: Structure of the training sessions need to reflect time devoted to specific match actions in order to create more realistic training environments; Further emphasis required on certain areas of the game (distribution as opposed to shot stopping and reaction training). Specificity of training – ensuring that training is relevant to the task undertaken in the game situation…

The Future?! Spanish pro GK session (arguably have produced the best GKs in the World in recent years – know some high profile coaches) 3 distributions – both feet – throw – shot Although drills of this nature are conducted – they need to be more frequent and also embedded within the coaching plan – strategically….. – PLANNING!!!!!

The Future?! Created ‘Games Based Goalkeeper Training’ concept for youth GKs: 5-12 mainly but can be used for older age groups Based around TGfU environments Involves no passive play and works on distribution (feet & hands) frequently 60+ games Out this autumn in ‘Scientific Approaches to Goalkeeping in Football’ Eradicate this noticeable discrepancy!

Discussion GK involvement in team based training and tactical sessions is of paramount importance Based on the results – the GK initiates the play – first point of attack; Leader!; Organiser!; Playmaker!!! Variability of practice – to ensure that all GK activities are practised… “It’s a very specialised position and the GK has a very important role in modern football”, (Alex Vencel, FIFA GK Instructor, 2012)

References Di-Salvo, V., Benito, P., Calderon, F.J and Pigozzi, F. (2008). Activity profile of elite goalkeepers during match play. Journal of Sports Medicine & Physical Fitness, 48, (4), p443-446. Elleray, A. (2011). A case study comparing current goalkeeper coaching structures within professional youth football systems in England , Unpublished MSc manuscript. University of Worcester FIFA. (2012). The Special Ones. FIFA World Magazine, (26), p53-55. Sørensen H, Thomassen, M & Zacho, M. (2008). Biomechanical profile of Danish elite and sub-elite soccer goalkeepers. Football (Science), 5, p37–44

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