The Goalkeeper is the single most evolved position that the game of soccer has seen. Any, and all, changes that have been made to the goalkeeper’s game demonstrate the overarching impact influencing game models, periodization, game analysis, technology, scouting, and coaches. The evolution of the game is synonymous with the evolution of the goalkeeper.

Carl Sagan said, “You have to know the past, to understand the future.” (1934-96). This is the starting point for endless conversations about the different ways the goalkeeper position has been impacted by the laws of the game and its progression. In 1909, goalkeepers began wearing different colored jerseys to distinguish themselves. In 1931, goalkeepers could handle the ball for any purpose within their penalty box; in addition, they would be allowed to take up to four steps while carrying it. In 1992, the goalkeeper was no longer allowed to use hands-on back passes.

The goalkeeper (or teammate) may pass the ball to a teammate standing right next to each other, within 16.5 meters. As a result, teams can utilize this to build out of the back, which generates more complexity, demanding technically and physically, and creates more space to attack and defend. At face value, it’s clear that all these changes impact the game to a high degree, let's consider what that means beyond the field.

As the functionality of the goalkeeper position evolves, so do its coaches. It was only in the 80s that the goalkeeper coach position started to be more significant and refined. The role of the goalkeeper coach was primarily executed by former goalkeepers, those being experienced and knowledgeable about the specifics of the position. However, within the last two decades, with the advancement of technology and science, accessibility to those who have never been goalkeepers has added innovation, perspective, and insight. This results in the goalkeeping ecosystem experiencing tremendous growth, and the experimentation allows goalkeepers to excel.

Despite the adjustments of the game rules and the influence of the goalkeeper, effectively integrating the goalkeeping coach is disproportionate to the needs of the game and team. For example, improving the buildup is arguably one of the most important aspects of the game's evolution. However, many times a goalkeeper's position can go unnoticed. How often is the goalkeeper coach being integrated within the tactical and technical development of those sessions? The collaboration within the staff is crucial for the creation of an optimal training environment, and it starts by keeping in mind the technical, tactical, social, emotional, and physical characteristics of each goalkeeper. The goalkeeper coach is not considered just a goalkeeper coach anymore. Like other coaches on staff, goalkeeper coaches require a nuanced ability to execute game analysis, read, interpret, and apply data and technology, understand the functional group training, complete scouting reports, all in relation to the team’s style of play and package this in a way that is efficient and effective for both players and staff.

From the goalkeeper's perspective, there are a lot of opinions about the skills needed in the modern game. The periodization to understand how to transfer goalkeeper-specific topics and training to the team objectives in conjunction with the game model goes beyond saving the ball from going into the net. The rules of the game have impacted the goalkeeper’s ability to control and distribute the ball, interpret space offensively and defensively, and mitigate and create danger in transition or through numerical superiority.

Although the game is constantly evolving, the objective for the goalkeeper continues to stay the same - protecting the goal, preventing scoring. However, while improving that simple objective, perhaps understanding how to meaningfully integrate and improve the goalkeeper and goalkeeper coach could just be the greatest asset. The changes in the rules of the game have impacted not only the game team's play but also the goalkeeper. The trickle effect is meaningful, and if understood and skillfully integrated, it could prove to be the greatest asset to achieving success in this game. After reading about the evolution of the goalkeeper and goalkeeper coach, when assessing your environment, what are some areas that you would like to learn more about to better your goalkeeper’s environment?