The impact of game format differences on goalkeeper play in youth league competition:

A comparison of Japan and Catalonia, Spain

Abstract

    This study sought to clarify the impact of game format differences on goalkeeper play through a comparative examination of goalkeeper play in games of 8-a-side soccer in Japan and 7-a-side soccer in Catalonia, Spain, two formats used respectively in each region in competitions for players aged 12 years and under. At the same time, it offers a discussion of future approaches to goalkeeper coaching.
    This led to clarification of the following:
    1) Given that goalkeepers in both countries take the offensive more frequently in game formats with fewer players, such formats appear to be effective for promoting offensive plays by goalkeepers.
    2) When the goalkeeper is in possession of the ball, whereas Japanese players have a strong tendency to choose long kicks such as side volleys, Spanish players have a strong tendency to elect to throw the ball to attempt a more reliable relay.
    3) Spanish goalkeepers have a strong tendency to be involved in build-up play with passes and support.
     4) On goal kicks, whereas Japanese players have a strong tendency to choose long kicks, Spanish goalkeepers have a strong tendency to make short passes to teammates who are in a position to advance the ball.
    5) In terms of goalkeeper defense, whereas Japanese players stop fewer shots and make more plays to cover the space behind the defense line, Spanish players stop more shots and make fewer plays to cover the space behind the defense line.