The goalkeeper position is the most valuable position on a soccer field. Goalkeepers move all over the field for various reasons. Can a soccer goalie go past midfield?
A soccer goalie can go past midfield to receive or pass the ball, add shape to the formation, or score a goal. Although goalkeepers can’t use their hands outside their penalty area, they can play the ball from anywhere on the field. For example, a goalie can pass the halfway line to reach a passing or goalscoring position.
Soccer goalies must be comfortable on the ball to make an impact in the attacking half of the field. Keep reading for more information on where goalkeepers can go and if they can score.
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Can a soccer goalie go past midfield?
You’ve probably only seen goalies inside their own penalty area, keeping the ball from going inside their net. But what happens when a goalie leaves the safety of their penalty area? Can a soccer goalie go past midfield?
A soccer goalie can go past midfield at any point during a match. Goalies mostly go past midfield to act as a last defender when there is little time left in a game and their team is losing. This way, their team can keep as many players forward as possible to try and score a late goal.
Goalkeepers often go past midfield and into the other team’s penalty area for corner kicks in the last minutes of a game to try and score a late goal. This scenario is one of the many reasons why goalies wear different colors.
If a corner kick is the last anticipated play of the game, goalies will head upfield because there’s no chance for the other team to counter-attack and score on an empty goal.
Bringing the goalie forward for a corner kick or free kick increases the number of attacking players in the penalty area, giving the attackers a better chance to score.
Goalies can score with their head, feet, chest, knee, or other playable body parts. Although they can’t use their hands once they leave their penalty area, they can go anywhere on the field they want.
They have to be careful not to leave their goal wide open for the other team to score on easily!
Can a goalie leave the penalty area?
Are goalies confined to their own 18-yard box? Of course not. They’re allowed to go wherever they please.
A goalie can leave the penalty area and go wherever on the field they need. They often leave the penalty area for a long backpass from a teammate. Goalkeepers in modern soccer often stand at the top of their box or further upfield to participate in their team’s buildup play.
Goalkeepers these days are a crucial part of a team’s buildup play. This requires them to step outside their comfort zone or penalty area and connect a few passes between defenders.
Goalies are not allowed to use their hands once they leave their penalty area.
Imagine how unfair that would be!
Instead, goalkeepers can only use their feet or other playable body parts to play the ball. Modern goalkeeping has evolved to a point where goalies are integral to buildup play and must be comfortable passing and receiving the ball in all areas of the field.
Can a soccer goalie score a goal?
If goalies can leave their penalty area, can they score goals? Yep, they can!
A soccer goalie can score a goal from anywhere on the field. They can kick the ball into the net directly from a goal kick or punt. Although it’s unlikely, goalies can score just like regular players. Goalkeepers can’t use their hands to score.
Goalies can kick the ball exceptionally far, which makes scoring goals more likely than you might think. You never know when one goalie might catch another off guard and score a goal from 100 yards away.
Goalies have a powerful long shot from their goalkick training. Although it’s relatively uncommon for goalies to score, it can happen.
Take the following video, for example; it showcases goalkeepers scoring in various ways.
Where can a soccer goalie not go on the field?
The goalkeeper position is a unique one. They can roam the field but must follow one primary rule.
A goalkeeper can go anywhere on the field they want at any time. Although there isn’t anywhere they can’t go, they are only allowed to use their hands inside their penalty area. Outside their 18-yard box, they can only use their feet or playable body part.
A goalkeeper is allowed to go into the other team’s penalty area. You see this often when goalies go up the field for a late-game set piece.
Goalies can pass and receive the ball anywhere on the field, making them one of the most valuable players on the field.