Should Goalkeepers Play Long More Often? The Hidden Value of Direct Distribution – Tactical Theory

With teams often electing to press high in the oppositions defensive third, having a goalkeeper with long distribution who can put the ball accurately behind the oppositions backline can cause all sorts of problems for opposing teams. 

With clever positioning and complementary movements by forward players, long kicks from the goalkeeper can be an important weapon in any teams arsenal, regardless of their style of play. 

By bypassing the midfield in one fell swoop, long distribution denies the opposition the opportunity to drop back behind the ball and into a low block as the ball is gradually progressing up the pitch.

Not only is long distribution a good attacking option, but it can also help nullify the threat of a high opposition press. 

Although some coaches may be intolerant of kicking long, viewing it as a needless risk of turning over possession, when the ball is lost, it is much further from their own goal. 

Already this season, in multiple leagues and competitions at all levels of the game, we have witnessed numerous goals scored by teams turning the ball over in their own defensive third. 

This begs the question: Should direct kicks from the goalkeeper be used more?

Or is there little use in “hoofing” the ball up the pitch?

This tactical theory will provide a tactical analysis of Keith Andrews’ Brentford and Arne Slots Liverpool and how they have used, to profound effect, long goalkeeper distribution. 

This analysis will include examples from recent Premier League games of long kicks from the goalkeeper resulting in goals.

This tactical theory also includes examples of how teams have been caught out and conceded by trying to play short in similar situations. 

Playing Long When Pressed High

The above image shows the build-up to the Bees opening and winning goal against Aston Villa in the second game of this Premier League season. 

The image shows Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher, a summer signing from Liverpool, receiving under close pressure from two Villa forwards.