Goalkeeper Analysis Beyond Saves

STATUS: DRAFT

Most coaches analyse goalkeepers by counting saves. Professional coaches analyse goalkeepers by understanding their impact on the entire team’s performance.

Your goalkeeper doesn’t just stop shots. They dictate your defensive line height, determine your build-up patterns, influence your pressing triggers, and affect your transition speed. Miss these elements in your analysis and you’re missing 80% of their actual contribution.

The UEFA B licence materials emphasise individual player analysis within post-game analysis. For goalkeepers, this means understanding their technical, tactical, physical, and mental contributions to team performance.

Distribution Patterns and Quality

Distribution Analysis Framework

Short Distribution (0-25 metres)

• Accuracy to feet vs chest/head
• Speed of release after making save
• Ability to find players under pressure
• Consistency of weight and direction

Medium Distribution (25-45 metres)

• Success rate of throws to wide areas
• Ability to switch play across the pitch
• Timing of release relative to defensive pressure
• Quality under pressure from pressing forwards

Long Distribution (45+ metres)

• Accuracy to target areas vs specific players
• Ability to create attacking opportunities
• Effectiveness in different weather conditions
• Strategic use based on game situation

Decision-Making Under Pressure

Pressure Scenarios to Track

Crosses Analysis

• Decision to claim vs stay on line
• Communication with defenders
• Success rate on crosses claimed
• Timing of decision-making

1v1 Situations

• Positioning and angles
• Timing of advance from goal line
• Success rate in 1v1 confrontations
• Recovery after being beaten

Build-Up Participation

• Willingness to receive back passes under pressure
• Quality of first touch when pressed
• Decision-making speed when receiving
• Alternative options when primary pass is blocked

Communication and Organisation

Goalkeeper communication affects the entire defensive unit’s performance. Track:

Organisational Communication

• Setting defensive line height
• Directing defensive shape during attacks
• Warning teammates of unmarked runners
• Coordinating set piece positioning

Information Communication

• Alerting defenders to pressure
• Calling switches of play
• Identifying dangerous situations early
• Providing tactical feedback during play

Emotional Communication

• Encouraging teammates after mistakes
• Maintaining team confidence under pressure
• Leading by example in difficult moments
• Managing defensive frustration

Part of the Learn How To Analyse A Match Course - Individual Performance Analysis (Draft)