The importance of Distribution

• The rule eliminating the back pass which allowed the Goalkeeper to pick up the ball has revolutionised the keeper position with opening up many tactical opportunities allowing the keeper to be much more involved and also having a greater influence in the game. Unfortunately many of the top Goalkeepers who didn’t have good foot skills fell by the way side as they could not cope with the ball being played back to their feet or have the tactical knowledge to adjust to the new rules.

• A lot of Goalkeepers are great “SHOT STOPPERS”, but in the modern game this is not enough as they must possess good “ALL ROUND SKILLS” if they are going to reach the top levels in their playing career.

• A Goalkeeper who can play as a sweeper and has the tactical knowledge to control the back third of the pitch is a huge asset to any team, whilst a shot stopper has severe limitations, which will put a stop to reaching the heights they desire.