Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper, often shortened to keeper or goalie, is one of the major positions of association football. It is the oldest, most specialised, and generally most important position in the sport. The goalkeeper's primary role is to prevent the opposing team from successfully moving the ball over the defended goal-line (between the posts and under the crossbar). This is accomplished by the goalkeeper moving into the path of the ball and either catching it or directing away from the vicinity of the goal line. Within the 18 yard box goalkeepers are able to use their hands, making them (outside of throw-ins) the only players on the field able to handle the ball. Goalkeepers perform goal kicks, and also give commands to their defence during corner kicks, direct and indirect free kicks, and marking. Goalkeepers play an important role in directing on field strategy as they have an unrestricted view of the entire pitch giving them a unique perspective on play development. Goalkeepers are required to remain on the pitch at all times though that does not mean they have to be between the sticks all the time. For example goalkeepers may have to take a penalty kick during a penalty shoot-out or even go for a corner late in the game though it is rare, as it leaves the goal unguarded. If a goalkeeper is hurt or sent off the back-up goalkeeper must take his place, if not then an outfielder must do so. In the event of a sending off an outfielder too must leave and the other keeper "replaces" him. If both keepers are hurt or sent off and there is no third choice keeper especially at club level, an outfielder (usually a defender) has to take his place and wear the goalkeeper kit. Because goalkeeper is the most important job in football as well as being the most difficult position to master, most teams have the same keeper play in the starting XI every season. For example Petr Cech is currently no.1 at Chelsea F.C. while Iker Casillas has been Real Madrid's no.1 for more than 9 years, and the starting goalkeeper for Spain for over a decade. As a result it could be a long time before the back-up keeper has a chance to play. This is one of the main reasons why most goalkeeper on average retire in their forties. The main squad number for a goalkeeper is no.1 but today though this is still common some goalkeepers now wear other squad numbers when in goal. For example: Despite being no.1 at Liverpool F.C.. Pepe Reina has worn the no.25 jersey through all his Liverpool career. No.13, especially in Britain, is the common number for the second choice keeper, though others like 12, 16 (a number attributed to hockey), 24, 25, even 30 (a number attributed to ice hockey) are also common.