Month: December 2023

When it comes to football rules, there’s often quite a bit of controversy, but few controversies have ignited quite the stir the six second rule has. This seemingly straightforward regulation, tucked away in the Laws of the Game, has become a source of bewilderment, frustration, and downright madness on the pitch. In a sport where every second counts and the pace can change in the blink of an eye, the six-second rule has taken on a life of its own, creating a level of craziness that even the most seasoned players find hard to comprehend. What is the six second rule? Does it even matter anymore? Why are people so angry about it? This post will try to unravel the controversy.

What is the Six Second Rule?

The six-second rule, also known as the six-second violation, is a that only really pertains to goalkeepers. According to the Laws of the Game, specifically Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct, a goalkeeper is allowed to hold the ball for a maximum of six seconds. The countdown begins the moment the goalkeeper establishes control of the ball, typically through a save, a catch, or any other means. Once the goalkeeper has possession, they must release the ball into play within the designated time frame. Failure to do so results in an indirect free-kick being awarded to the opposing team from the spot where the goalkeeper committed the violation.

Where Did the Six Second Rule Come From?

According to many fans, the 1990 World Cup won by West Germany when they defeated Argentina was a low point in the world of football. By 1992, a host of new rules were being introduced. In 1992, Law 12, Section 2 was introduced to help discourage goalkeepers from wasting time and possessing the ball for too long. It’s now called the back pass rule, and it forbids goalkeepers to handle the ball if it’s passed to them by a teammate.

The rule changes didn’t end there, though. In 1997, the rule got an addition – goalkeepers were banned from picking up throw-ins too. In 1998, the six second rule was introduced to make sure the goalkeeper didn’t hold onto the ball for longer than six seconds. This rule, like those that came before it, was designed to prevent time-wasting by goalkeepers and maintain the flow and pace of the game.

This actually wasn’t the first time that rules around goalkeepers were created. In the early ‘60s, the four-step rule was introduced. This rule allowed goalkeepers to take no more than four steps with the ball before they had to punt or throw it away. While there were lots of holes in this rule, the shift to the six second rule closed all of them.

Is the Six Second Rule Still Enforced?

The six-second rule is still a valid and enforceable rule in football. Referees are responsible for enforcing the six-second rule during matches, which means that while it can be enforced, it often isn’t. The rule was initially implemented to help with the pace of the game. If a given referee doesn’t think the pace of the game is suffering, often the rule isn’t enforced. Lots of games are played without enforcement of the rule, which is why this one rule leads to such confusion and anger.

Why Are People Still So Angry About This Rule?

Most of the anger around this rule comes from that inconsistent enforcement. Some referees are strict in adhering to the time limit, while others allow a more lenient approach. This lack of uniformity has led to confusion on the pitch and heated debates off it. You’ll find post after post on football forums surrounding the enforcement (or lack thereof) of this rule. One individual posted a rant on a thread about a Southampton match where the keeper had possession of the ball for 36 consecutive seconds. Another held that a Queens Park Rangers keeper never held the ball for less than 12 seconds at a time.

The lack of consistent enforcement, though, isn’t the only point of contention surrounding this rule. Another is the level of pressure it puts on goalkeepers themselves. The ticking clock can add immense pressure to keepers, forcing them to make hasty decisions that may not be in the best interest of their team. Striking the right balance between adhering to the rule and making sound decisions for the game’s sake becomes a delicate challenge with this rule in place.

Still another problem with this rule is that its easily exploited. Some teams use the ambiguity surrounding the rule, strategically disrupting the rhythm of their opponents. This has sparked many discussions about how to prevent unsportsmanlike conduct with this rule still in place.

What’s a Goalkeeper to Do?

With the six second rule still very much a potential player in a match, how can goalkeepers deal with the problems it creates? Start by honing your decision-making skills under pressure. Training scenarios that simulate game-like situations with a ticking clock can contribute to better on-field execution. Work with your trainers to come up with drills that put you under constant, timed pressure.

You’ll also want to maintain open lines of communication with referees during matches. Seeking clarification on the enforcement of the rule can help foster a better understanding and reduce the likelihood of contentious situations.

Finally, familiarise yourself with the specific nuances of the six-second rule as interpreted by referees in various competitions. Staying informed about any recent clarifications or updates can help in adapting to the evolving landscape.

Six Seconds Still Matter!

The six-second rule controversy remains a hot topic in UK football, and while it may not have a one-size-fits-all solution, goalkeepers can navigate it with a combination of knowledge, skill development, and effective communication. As the debate continues, staying adaptable and resilient on the pitch will be key for goalkeepers striving to excel in the face of this challenging rule.

Every shot that comes across the line is a challenge to be met for most goalkeepers. After all, you are the guardian of the net. Football is a game that redefines unpredictability, and for you, that means an extensive repertoire of skills and a solid focus on blocking each shot. What drills can you try to block shot after shot? This guide can help.

Drill #1 – Three is Wild

Your foundational skills as a goalkeeper are absolutely everything. Good footwork, quick changes in direction, and effective blocking matter. This drill works to strengthen all of those things. You’ll want to start by setting up three cones of different colours at least three metres from the front of your goal line. Have one other player on hand to make some shots. You should stand at the ready position, and your partner will yell out a specific colour. You run to that colour cone, then head back into position at the centre. As you head for ready position, your partner will take a shot at the goal, and you will try to block it. To make this harder, increase the pace by having the shooter take the shot before you’re back in position. Make sure your shooter takes a variety of kinds of shots, too, to help you learn to think and react more quickly.

Drill #2 – Keep it Moving

You’ll want the goalkeeper and at least five other players for this drill. The goal here is to focus on footwork and proper positioning as well as to sharpen your reaction skills in faceoff situations. You’ll need to use everything you have to anticipate the movements of the striker based on what you see and focus on the ball by following passes.

To get started, have all of the players spread out in the penalty zone. There should be a good supply of training balls behind them. The players should all pass the ball to each other. After three or four passes, have one player take a shot at the goal. As the goalkeeper, you should follow the ball consistently and try to make the save. As soon as the attempt is complete, the players should start over. This should go on for five to six cycles. The faster the players on the field move, the harder it is for you to keep their shots out of the goal.

Drill #3 – It Just Takes One

The goal here is work on directionality. Remember that during a match, a ball can change directions at any moment in time, and if you anticipate that change incorrectly, you’ll need to make a fast change to keep up with it. This drill can help you reposition correctly and change your own angles to prepare you to better adjust.

This drill starts with a single cone a metre ahead of the goal line and in line with the middle of the goal. Have one other player stand with a few footballs in the corner of the penalty area. You should run toward the cone as if it were a striker ready to attack. Then run around it and come back to the goal line just as the other player makes as shot toward the goal. The other player should continuously move to various positions so you can practice defending against incoming shots from every possible angle and incorporate both high and low shots.

What Are You Waiting For? Get Started!

 Remember, consistency is key, and the more you incorporate these drills into your training regimen, the more proficient you’ll become in thwarting shots from all angles. Embrace the challenges, learn from every session, and don’t shy away from pushing your boundaries. Take a look at our complete supply of training equipment to help you run through the right drills to enhance your training regimen.

Between the goal posts is a fairly solitary world. Every single save is your responsibility alone, which makes you the guardian for your team. One of the single best things you can do for yourself is to practice alone, helping you commit to true self-improvement. Without teammates or the structure of drills, it allows you to personally master and sharpen your skills that are often overlooked yet absolutely crucial to what you do on the pitch. What strategies and drills can you use to begin to grow on your own as a goalkeeper? Take a look at a few options.

Cone Dribbling

The goal here is to improve your footwork and agility. You can do this anywhere that you have plenty of space like your back garden or a green space in a park. You’ll want a series of cones set up in a straight line about a third of a metre from each other. Begin at one end of the line of cones. Using quick, precise footwork, navigate through the cones forward. Then, bring the ball back in the same manner. Your goal here is not only to improve on the time it takes you to get through the series of cones, but also to maintain your balance throughout the drill and stay as light on your feet as possible.

Wall Throws

One key to your job on the pitch is to handle the ball well and react quickly. This drill will help you achieve that. You’ll want a solid wall to throw against. The outside wall of your home might work well here. You’ll want to stand about five feet away from the wall with a ball in your hand. Throw the ball against the wall, then position yourself to catch the rebound. You want to focus particularly on catching with the fingers of both of your hands. Use as many varied heights and angles as you possibly can.

Target Passing

Better distribution gives your team a distinct advantage, and this drill will help make that possible. Using cones or other markers, set up targets in different areas. With a bag full of balls, practice accurately throwing and punting to hit each target consistently. As you work, though, be sure you’re varying the distance and the trajectory as much as possible. Remember that your goal is accuracy, so until you can hit each target consistently, don’t stop!

Adding a Partner Might Help!

While solo drills are a great way to work on your skills any time, adding a partner can be a serious help if you have someone willing to work with you. Having a training partner can help you replicate more realistic game scenarios because they can help you work on various shooting angles, distances, and the unpredictability of the ball, which makes every training a bit more like the real match. It also helps you learn to more effectively communicate with defenders and teammates. As you work with a teammate, you get an opportunity to practice vocal communication, organising the defence, and coordinating movements to deal with different situations. It also means more feedback. A training partner can provide instant feedback on the quality of shots, passes, or saves. That means you can make real-time adjustments to technique and positioning as you practice.

Practice Any Way You Can!

Whether you have a partner or not, the bottom line is to practice as much as you possibly can. When you begin working on your skills, remember to focus on quality rather than quantity during every drill. Pay attention to technique, and gradually increase the intensity and complexity as you become more comfortable with each skill. Additionally, regularly incorporating these drills into your training routine will contribute to continuous improvement and mastery of various goalkeeping facets. The key to the position is just to familiarise yourself with every aspect, and if that means working more on your own in the back garden, then do what you can to make that happen.

Stepping onto the football pitch is no small feat if you’re a goalkeeper. From the unpredictable weather conditions to the high stakes of each match, you face challenges that demand thorough preparation. Whether you’re guarding the net on a misty morning or braving the elements during a winter clash, readiness is key to success. What can you do to effectively prepare for a match? Take a look.

Start the Night Before

One of the best things you can do is to begin preparing the night before the match. The key here is to think about hydration, good nutrition, and a proper night’s rest. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day prior to the match. Most goalkeepers will want to consume 30-35 millilitres of water per kilogram of body weight during the course of the day. Don’t wait until the evening before to do so, though! If you drink too much of that at night, you’ll disrupt your sleep cycle.

Aside from hydrating properly, you’ll want to eat well too. Make sure your evening meal is a balanced one rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. This meal should provide sustained energy throughout the match.

Finally, ensure you get a good night’s sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours to allow your body to recover and be at its best. Minimise your screen time on electronic devices at least an hour before you go to bed to help be sure your sleep quality is as good as it can be.

The Morning of the Match

On the morning of the match, you’ll want to pay careful attention to both your hydration and your nutrition. At least three to four hours before the match, consume a meal that is easy to digest and high in complex carbohydrates and protein to keep your body fuelled throughout the match. For example, Weetabix, low fat milk, and some fruit would make a suitable breakfast on the morning of a match. Be sure to spend some time mentally preparing yourself, visualising different game scenarios and focusing your mind for the match ahead.

Just Before the Match

As time winds toward the match, you’ll want to really begin preparing for what’s to come. Begin with a complete equipment check. Start with a closer look at your gloves. You’ll want to be sure that there are no tears or damage on the palms or fingers of the gloves. You’ll also want to be sure that the grip is effective enough to get you through the entire match. Next, take a closer look at your kit. Look for any rips, tears, or loose threads on your jersey or your shorts. Make certain there’s no stretched elastic that will interfere while you’re out there. Finally, take a closer look at your boots. Make sure the studs are securely attached and not excessively worn. You’ll also want to take a look at the upper part of the boots to ensure there are no problems there.

If you wear any protective equipment, make certain there’s no damage. Ensure straps are secured and not fraying and that everything is in good shape.

In most cases, at this point, you’ll probably have a team meeting. Listen carefully to your coaches throughout the meeting to be sure you have all of the information you need for a successful outcome.

Next, you’re ready to physically prepare for the match. You’ll want to begin with some dynamic stretches to improve your flexibility and reduce the risk of injury while you’re on the pitch. You’ll want to do things like arm circles, lunges, and side shuffles to help prepare your entire body. Next, do some light cardio to begin increasing your heart rate. Use a stationary bike, run some zig zag sprints, and do some hurdle steps to get your heart rate up and prepare your body for what’s to come.

Once you’ve done that, it’s time to step out onto the pitch. You’ll want to do two things while you’re out there. First, familiarise yourself with the space. Take a look at the playing surface conditions and the weather conditions so you know what you’ll be facing during match time. Be sure to walk the penalty box carefully so you can identify any potential hazards like uneven spaces or unexpected issues in the goalmouth. Then, you’re ready to focus on goalkeeper specific drills to prepare your body for what’s to come. Work on some diving practice to help really focus your body on your agility. Try some of your best reaction drills to activate your reflexes. Finally, tackle some of your toughest handling drills so you can make certain you’re ready to control the ball.

Finally, spend some time mentally preparing yourself for the match ahead. Spend time visualising successful saves, confident movements, and positive outcomes during the match. Take a few moments to imagine yourself making key saves and playing with composure under pressure. Be sure you mentally rehearse different in-game scenarios to be sure you know what to do if they should come up. Then, use deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves and reduce your anxiety about the match ahead. Slow, controlled breaths can help centre your mind and enhance focus.

It’s Match Time!

As the whistle blows and the match unfolds, the groundwork you’ve laid in the past several hours will pay off. Good preparation is both physical and mental.  From carefully fuelling and resting your body the night before to the dynamic warm-up stretches that prime the body for action, remember that the preparation process is a journey. If you want the best preparation on match day, you’ll want to create a routine that instils confidence and focus in your body, a routine that recognises the significance of every move you make well before a match. Your role is so important on the field. Give it the preparation it deserves by building a routine that truly works for you on match day.  

Being a goalkeeper is a tough task in and of itself. After all, your agility and reflexes are always being tested on the pitch. What else is tested out there? Your gear! It acts as your armour on the field, ensuring that you’re protected from all of those hard shots you must make and the dives you must take. It keeps you safe no matter who the other team is, what the weather might be, or what unpredictable things happen from match to match. To make sure you’re at your best, maintaining that equipment that protects you is nothing short of a must. What can you do to expand the lifespan of your gear? Take a look at these tips.

Your Gloves

Maintaining your gloves actually begins the day you get them. They should be prewashed and allowed to dry naturally to make certain that the preservatives that are left from the manufacturing process come out of the latex. Washing them helps activate the latex and make sure you’re getting the grip you need when you use them.

To wash them, fill a sink with warm water (no hotter than 35 degrees). Rinse them, then allow them to soak for a bit. Add some glove wash to the palms and rub gently across the glove. Once you’re done, rinse gently in the warm water. Be sure you get all of the glove cleaner off, as leaving it on can cause some real damage to your gloves in the long run.

Once you’re done, you’ll want to soak up any excess water before you leave the gloves to dry on their own. Often removing that water with a glove towel is a good idea, but you don’t want to wipe or scrub at them. Just place them on the towel and press down to soak up the excess water. Once you’ve done that, you’ll want to hang them to dry. Be sure you don’t place them in direct sunlight or a humid space to dry, though. You want a spot where air circulates freely.

Obviously, glove maintenance doesn’t stop there. While you’re playing, be sure to occasionally keep the palms of the gloves a bit damp if you want the best possible grip out of the latex on the palms. As a material, latex should never be dry. Try to gently squirt water on them during a match to keep them ready.

After a match or a tough practice session, you’ll want to wash your gloves using the method above and leave them to dry. Once they’re dry, store them carefully in a glove bag to protect them from damage when you’re not on the pitch.

Your Jersey and Shorts

You’ll absolutely want to keep your jersey and shorts as clean as possible. Before you do anything with either, read the labels! Most are made of a polyester composition, and that can make them more resistant to shrinkage in the wash, but warm water and heat from a dryer can really do damage to them.

In most cases, you’ll want to separate your jersey and your pants by colour. After all, washing a white jersey with red shorts could mean real problems. Turn both the jersey and the shorts inside out to protect the club logo and any printed sponsors on your gear. Add detergent, then throw them in the wash. If you have grass and mud stains that seem particularly rough, you may want to use a stain remover.

Once they’re done in the wash, you’ll want to hang them to dry. As with your gloves, it’s likely best not to dry in the direct sunlight, but keeping them in a breeze outside will help them smell a bit fresher.

Your Boots

If anything gets mucked up during a tough match, it’s going to be your boots. You should work to keep those clean in between practice and matches. Fortunately, it’s fairly easy to do so. Start by taking out your shoelaces. Soak them in warm water with a mild detergent. Then, remove the insoles.

Dry brush the boots and insoles to get rid of any loose dirt. Then, using a cloth, a bit of warm water, and a shoe cleaning solution, rub your boots in a circular motion to get rid of stains and dirt. Be gentle! If they’re leather, you won’t want to use too much water. You just want to use enough to remove the dirt. You’ll want to do the same to your insoles. You can use a towel to pat the excess water from them, then allow them to air dry in a spot with good ventilation. If your boots are leather, you’ll want to rub them with a leather protector after they’re completely dry.

Your Bag

On a fairly regular basis, you’ll want to wash your bag as well. You don’t need to do this after every practice or match, but it’s best to do it on at least a monthly basis. First, be sure there’s nothing inside your bag. Then, dry brush any dirt off the surface of the bag. If there’s dirt inside the bag, you’ll want to get that out as well. At that point, you should be able to take a wet cloth with mild detergent on it and wipe out the inside of the bag. Allow it to air dry in an area with good ventilation.

A Few Other Key Tips

There are a few other things you can do to maintain your gear. First, regularly inspect it for signs of wear and tear.  Look for frayed stitching, loose seams, or damaged padding. Catching these issues early allows you to address them before they escalate, potentially saving you money on replacements. If you notice loose threads, repair them promptly to prevent further damage.

Don’t forget to inspect the padding in your gloves and other protective gear. If it’s compressed or no longer provides sufficient cushioning, it’s time for a replacement.

You’ll also want to think about rotating your gear regularly.

Goalkeeping gear undergoes significant stress during games and training sessions. To extend the lifespan of your equipment, allowing each set to rest and recover prevents premature wear and tear. Rotate between your gloves every other week to give the latex time to recover its grip and resilience. Be sure to have at least two sets of jerseys and shorts to rotate during training and games.

Finally, remember that how you store your gear plays a crucial role in its longevity. Avoid leaving your equipment in a hot, damp, or cold environment, as extreme temperatures can damage materials. Be sure to store your gear in a well-ventilated area to prevent the growth of mould and mildew. A breathable bag or mesh compartment is ideal for this purpose. Moreover, even within your bag, you’ll want to use separate compartments for gloves, jerseys, and other gear to prevent friction and potential damage.

Protecting Your Gear

The importance of maintaining goalkeeper gear cannot be overstated. By regularly cleaning, inspecting, and properly storing your gear, you not only extend its lifespan but also ensure optimal performance when it matters most.