Soccer Goalie Rules To Help You Keep a Clean Sheet
Not knowing the soccer goalie rules can put your team in jeopardy. But, knowing these rules can help you excel in your position.
As a soccer goalkeeper (goalie or keeper) your role on the team is important. Being the last line of defense it’s your job to stop the ball from going in!
Here’s a list of rules you need to know.
List of Soccer Goalie Rules
Here are the general rules for soccer goalies:
- You can use your hands anywhere inside their penalty area (see graphic below).
- You can play the ball outside your team’s penalty area but you’ll have to use your feet.
- Once you grab the ball, you have six seconds to get rid of it (kick or throw).
- You cannot use your hands if the ball is kicked to you by your teammate.
- You cannot use your hands if the ball is thrown into you by your teammate.
- You must stay on the goal line for a penalty kick (PK).
- Once you put the ball back into play on the ground, you can’t pick it up again.
- There must be one goalie on the soccer pitch at all times.
- You cannot score with your hands or arms.
- You can score anytime with your feet or head.
- If the ball is in your hands, an opposing player cannot touch it. If they do, this will result in a penalty or yellow card.
- You must wear a jersey that is distinguishable from your teammates.
Goalkeepers cannot use their hands outside of the red rectangle (penalty area).
Memorize, understand, and print these rules. They are that important.
Are Rules for Goalies the Same For All Leagues?
Yes, the rules for a goalkeeper are pretty much consistent for all pro and youth leagues.
Some things that might change for leagues smaller than 11v11…
- Holding the ball for longer
- No punting
- Must be a goalie in net at all times
Before playing, you’ll want to check the league rules.
Give It Up For the Goalkeepers 🎉
It’s no secret that being a goalkeeper is tough work.
As the last line of defense, you are often perceived as the hero after a clean sheet. Or, at fault for the goals scored by the opposing team.
This simply isn’t true.
Why? Because it’s a team sport. It’s the team that is letting up goals or preventing the goals from being scored.
Case in point, if the midfielders and strikers dominate possession then there are less scoring chances for the other team.
But, if they are constantly losing possession then the other team is most likely on the attack.
Let’s respect the goalkeeper position as it comes with its fair share of bumps and bruises. Today, we honor you – the goalie!
Written By: Beau Bridges
Founder of SoccerNovo
I’m Beau 👋 a proud dad of an MLS NEXT player, former soccer coach, soccer enthusiast, and board member of our local youth sports program. I created soccernovo.com to share my knowledge of the game and help parents learn more about youth soccer in the U.S. I also authored an eBook ‘Soccer Coach Made Simple‘. Learn more about Beau.
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