Goalkeeping: Working with the full backs

Arguably, a team’s full backs have the ability to be the most pivotal players on the team sheet – they are often as responsible for begging an attack as they are shielding the threat from the opposition wingers. 

As goalkeepers, it is our duty to understand both our team mates and the Managers tactical requirements. There is little point in playing football at senior level without an understanding of the game. It is all well and good knowing your game, your ability but think of that extra percentage advantage you can gain by immersing yourself in the tactical role of the match. 

In the modern game, it is exceptionally rare to find full backs that just defend. Most have a specific role to play within the Managers requirements, although I do remember when I first began senior football at 15 years old I had a Manager who would scream blue murder if one of our full backs ever dared venture away from the security of the back four – and that’s when we were attacking! 

It has to be argued that my impression of that particular Manager wasn’t great; I felt that he was tactically inept however he was the gaffer, and if that’s how he wanted his team to play then that’s how I would support (plus at 15/16 years of age then who was I to argue!) 

The saying that “Goalkeepers can see all of the pitch” is largely true; however it is also pointless if you don’t actually understand what needs to happen on the pitch! Understanding the needs of your full backs is key to building a strong defensive foundation. 

I have always been a fan of clear lines of communication, by talking to my team mates I would gain an understanding of how they worked, what their key-words were (do I need detail in the communication or is e.g “Left shoulder” a good enough call?) and what was expected of them from both the Manager but, more importantly, themselves. 

I would insist on working with ‘my’ defence in all the SSG’s and Phases of Play during training, as this would speed up our understanding of working as a unit and iron out any potential problems before Saturday afternoon.

The full backs are an integral part of that unit, and the more that you understand about them as players, the more that you can benefit your team. As the play is developing down the left wing, a quick glance across the pitch may well expose the space that your right back has in front of him to exploit. One quick shout, and a brief defensive ‘shuffle’ later and your team have managed to stretch the game and create space. 

Defensively you want your full backs to know when to show the opposition inside and into the crowded area of the pitch, or whether to show them down the line. Apart from the players own knowledge, it should be you that makes this decision as ultimately it is your goal that’s being protected. My preference on this was to always encourage the players inside before the 18 yard box, once they were level with the 18 then I wanted them out wide. This was because I was confident in dealing with a shot from 18+ yards (but there should be enough bodies to prevent this), and also that often a cross from deep is a lot harder to deal with effectively. 

I am a huge fan of communication, not shouting and screaming, but effective communication. Your full backs thrive on information, it makes their jobs easier if you are their ‘look out’ so ensure that you know what to say and when to say it and your back four will swiftly become the defensive unit that you deserve!