Keeper Lingo

For all balls (shots, corners, crosses, passes) that come towards the goalkeeper's position, the keeper must inform nearby teammates of his/her intention. Is the keeper going to "go" for the ball, or does the keeper want the the defenders to "smack it" away?

"Keeper!"

"Away!"

The phrases "Mine!" and "I got it!" are not used by goalkeepers, as they can be spoken by any player on either team. The keeper uses specific jargon and "trains" the rest of the team to respond to these words.

Goalkeepers may call for help in covering vulnerable areas. For example, if a cross is expected from one side and there is an unmarked opponent t in front of the back post, the keeper may shout something similar to:

"Back post! Back post!"

Goalkeepers are also in the best position to advise defenders about players already in the defenders' zones. The keeper may guide a defender in one particular direction or another. The keeper and may tell the defender when it is safe to become more agressive (e.g., when a second defender is in position) or, when the defender should just delay the approaching player.

"Force left! Force left!" or "Push left! Push left!

"Bite! Bite!"

"Drop! Drop!"

If not the central defender, it is the goalkeeper's job to manage the entire defense.

"Push up! Push up!"

"Double team!"

Goalkeepers seem to be always giving other advice to their teammates, even when the ball is an entire field away and no one can hear him/her.

"Give him an option!"

"Pressure! Pressure!

"Back! Back!"

It seems to be an unwritten rule that goalkeepers say almost everything twice.   :)