A survey on distance covered by goalkeepers in the Under-12 age give during a soccer game played with 8 players and examination of its related variables

Abstract

This study aims to clarify basic data regarding the total distance moved by 64 goalkeepers（ GKs） who participated in a U-12 8-a-side soccer game. Furthermore, the relationships among wins and losses, goal difference, match duration, GK experience, degree of GK favorability, and the number of GK utterances and instructions assumed to be related to the total distance moved are analyzed to help coach GKs in the youth training generation. The twodimensional DLT method was used to calculate the total distance traveled. Results show that the total distance moved by the U-12 GKs was 981.4 ± 227.8 m. Among the independent variables assumed to be related to the total distance moved, there was no difference in terms of grade, match duration, and degree of GK favorability. However, regarding GKs’ experience, the total distance moved by the upper-order group was significantly higher than that by the lower-order group. In addition, regarding the relationship between the total distance moved and utterances and instructions issued by the GK during the match, a moderately significant positive correlation among the utterances, instructions, and directions related to the attack and defense was observed. Therefore, the results of this study will be helpful for coaching GKs in the U-12 age group in 8-a-side soccer games.