Demands on goalkeepers have evolved significantly over the last decade, perhaps more so than for any other position. Changes to the backpass rule mean that goalkeepers must now be comfortable with the ball at both feet and be able to distribute it while under pressure.
Variety in distribution is also extremely important, as goalkeepers need to be able to identify space for their team-mates to receive the ball and execute a wide range of passes over differing distances, using various techniques.
The distribution framework
There are numerous ways of starting the play from a goal kick. The FIFA Goalkeeping Expert Group's Distribution Framework breaks down the different froms of passes into five general categories:
PLAYING BEYOND TO EXPOSE THE SPACE IN BEHIND
When we examine the impact of a long goal kick, it can pose a challenge for the opposition team when they want to press high. For a team to press high, but also protect against a long goal kick, they have to concede space somewhere on the pitch.
During the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021™, Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton's range of passing stood out. If his team was building from the back, he could initiate short passing moves, but if there was an opportunity to quickly penetrate the space in behind the opposition's defensive line, he could execute impressive long balls to release his forward players early.
In the final against Chelsea, Weverton's team defended in a low block, but he was always alert to opportunities to release his fast, attacking team-mates to expose the space in behind Chelsea's high line.
HOW A LONG GOAL KICK FORCES CONCESSION OF SPACE ELSEWHERE
Weverton has an exceptionally long kick off the ground and, as a result, this sometimes forces the last line of the opposition's defence to drop deeper into their own half to prevent long passes going into the space beyond them.
The Brazilian goalkeeper also recognises these moments and plays short to his centre-backs, encouraging them to play forward and capitalising on the space that has opened up between the opposition lines due to the deeper last line.