Pass Back Rule
The new pass back rule dramatically affects how the goalkeeper interacts with his or her teammates. The rule calls for a new generation of goalkeeper training. To be effective the keeper as well as his or her teammates must be properly prepared.
The rule basically says: Should a teammate intentionally pass the ball back to their goalkeeper, the keeper cannot handle the ball with their hands. The keeper must use their feet to control or clear the ball. Indirect kicks are awarded at the spot where the goalkeeper picks-up the ball. However, if the referee interprets that there was no actual intent to pass the ball back then no indirect kick is awarded.
The ball may be passed back using either the head, chest, or knee. However, if trickery is used to lift the ball, that
is considered un-gentlemanly conduct and an indirect kick is awarded at that point of the foul.
More Than a Keeper issue
There are several options a field player in possession of the ball with intent of passing the ball back to the keeper must consider.
Is there an immediate danger of losing the ball?
Where are the opposing players?
When should the ball be passed?
Which foot is the ball passed to?
What speed is the ball pass passed at?
How do other teammates create space and move into good receiving
position?
To properly deal with these issues the keepers and field players need to train as a unit to insure effective coordination and communication.
Training Activities
1. Keepers must warm-up as team players to better develop their foot skills. The keepers need to develop the same confidence in their feet as with their hands.
2. The coach serves balls at various angles and distances. The keeper plays the ball with their feet and quickly returns it to the coach.
a. The coach assesses techniques, accuracy and keeper positioning.
b. Moving targets are added and the keeper must serve to moving targets.
c. Keeper should pass short distances with low balls to teammates and hit long distances with high balls to
play over the heads of imaginary defenders.
3. Incorporate chasing attackers to place pressure on the ball and the defender.
a. Look for proper communication between the defender and keeper.
b. Observe decisions of defenders to either pass back, turn the attack, or clear.
c. Insure that communication is clear and specific
4. Advance the session by placing small sided goals on the touchlines and a second regulation goal at mid-field.
a. Same observations as Number 3, except increase the number of players. This results in better match related training.
b. The keeper and defenders can now score by accurately getting the ball through the side goals or by clearing
long to the regulation goals at mid-field. Design a point system to encourage a higher degree of play.
5. 6 versus 4 scrimmage, the 6 players and a keeper are attacking. The training team is 4 defenders and one
training keeper. The practice area is the same as described in technique Number 4.
a. The team of six has 3 points awarded for each goal scored.
b. The team of four has one point awarded for a successful pass back and clear. Clears may be either to a free
teammate or a long kick into one of the side goals. This teaches the keeper to clear long, wide and
accurately. (This may have to be modified for younger players.) They may also score in their opponent’s goal.
c. Play starts with the practicing keeper passing the ball to a teammate and receiving the ball back.
Game Time
Prior to game time, it might be best to discuss with the referee their interpretation of the pass back rule to eliminate potential problems that could occur during the game. Remind your players to play the game as they practiced.
Conclusion
The modern keeper can no longer train in a vacuum. New individual and team related skills are required to be a successful keeper. A new generation of goalkeeping instruction is being introduced to meet these challenges. In regards to the pass back rule -- the best option is to maintain possession whenever possible. However, when in doubt, clear the ball with distance, height, and width away from danger.
Courtesy Dan Gaspar - Star Goalkeeping Academy
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