Shutout School

Baseline Defence

This is a very important area of the D for a goalkeeper to handle and understand!

There are 2 types of baseline attacks that can occur: 1. Static and 2. Dynamic entry.

A static entry is one where there are numerous defenders and attackers in the D. The goalkeeper here works closely with the Sweeper or whichever free defender there is to create either a double tackle or the Sweeper makes a tackle on the ‘T-Point’. This is where the line of the D joins up with the baseline.

This point is the best area for a Sweeper to make a tackle as it is at the widest possible angle for the attacker and it is outside the D. From here the covering defenders inside the D are tightly man marking the attackers and working with the goalkeeper if the Sweeper is beaten.

It is up to the goalkeeper to then make the his/her decision to advance towards the attacker using a standing block or preferably a sliding block really limiting and closing down the attackers options.

A dynamic entry is one where the attacking team are on a counter attack. Here the attacker is 1 v 1 with the Sweeper with others covering back but too far away to aid the situation.

The main thing firstly is the goalkeepers communication and instructing the Sweeper to keep him wide and Shepard him towards the baseline not allowing the attacker to cut back in-field.

Now the Sweeper and goalkeeper work together in double teaming the attacker, squeezing him towards the baseline. Here the goalkeeper advances to the attacker and smothers the ball. Hopefully the Sweeper is watching that the ball doesn’t hit their feet, pick up the loose ball and advance from there. The Sweeper must not get too close to the attacker but yet their presence should be felt from the ball carrier.

Main skills for the goalkeeper are: Good clear communication, correct sliding block technique for both left and right sides and good decision making which does come with experience whether to stay up, slide out or stay by your post.

I have always said that the Best Defenders don’t always have to make tackles!!

Let us know what you think and share any of your experiences you have had in this area?

Check out the clip below for a couple of examples