Winning at End of Game
The game time is almost up and the goalkeeper's team is in the lead. What should the goalkeeper do to help ensure their team's victory?
There are many things that a goalkeeper can do to help their team win. The first is to recognize if it is a better idea to keep attacking or to drop back and defend. As shown in the below picture, in a standard 4-4-2, this is a representation of how the team would be playing the entire game. If it is not close to the end of the game or the goalkeeper's team is dominating the other team, it would be beneficial to keep attacking as before. Thus, keeping the same 4-4-2 as before.
If the game is getting close to the end, or the other team seems very close to bringing the game back, it would beneficial to start dropping back and defending. In the picture below, using a revised 4-4-2 formation, the team would be dropped back. This would start with the goalkeeper first telling all of their teammates to start dropping back.
The goalkeeper would keep their dropped position and would ensure that the rest of their team is behind the ball. This makes it harder for the opposing team to attack as they have to go through all 10 outfield players to get to the goalkeeper. When the goalkeeper's team gets the ball, it would be best to attempt to counter attack. In a worst case scenario, it would be acceptable for their team to clear the ball into the opposing corner of the field.
When the goalkeeper gets the ball, it is very important that they take all the time as the can. Unless a counter attack is available, the goalkeeper should wait all 6 seconds they’re allowed before distributing the ball. The distribution should be a punt, a throw (if a teammate is open and without any pressure), or to drop the ball to the ground and play out with the goalkeeper's feet. If the opposing team takes a shot that is slow or has a misplaced pass, the goalkeeper should trap the ball with their feet and wait for the opposing player to start pressing the ball before picking it up.
Using these steps, the goalkeeper will be able to organize their team to give them the best chance to hold on or advance the lead that they have. They can also do their own part when they have the ball to help take off more time on the clock.