It is important for all goalkeepers to have the ability to play as a sweeper. This ability allows the defenders to attack, while the goalkeeper covers for his defenders. The goalkeeper stays higher up the field than he or she might normally do, and performs the defensive actions of a sweeper by clearing long and through balls outside the penalty area.

Sweeper keepers play behind a mostly flat back four who have a tendancy to push forward as much as possible. This action exposes the last line of defense giving the opponent an opportunity to serve penetrating passes, through balls, and long balls. This action in itself effectively gives a scoring opportunity to a quick forward with only the keeper to beat.

At this point, the keeper must react and play as an extra defender. This tendency to come rushing out of the goal to stop an attack basically means the keeper plays like an extra defender, or sweeper behind the regular back four.

In some cases, a new attack even begins with the sweeper keeper picking up a loose ball to restart a counter-attack with a good long throw or kick.

Defenders should be strong in the air and defend pretty high up the field, which means there's a lot of space in the back of the defensive line. This is basically where the sweeper keeper comes in, as he or she is basically supposed to rush from the penalty area to clear balls if given the chance.

So besides obvious goalkeeping qualities, a sweeper keeper should bring something extra. These players have to act as a fifth defender at times, this means their ball skills and vision have to be good as well. These keepers should be extremely athletic, because of this double role they have to play.

Goalkeepers should possess the following qualities:
- Aerial ability;
- Command of area;
- Communication;
- First touch;
- Handling;
- Kicking;
- One on ones;
- Reflexes;
- Rushing out;
- Speed;
- Tendency to punch;
- Throwing.

They should also possess the following mental qualities in abundance:
- Anticipation;
- Bravery;
- Concentration;
- Decision making;
- Determination;
- Positioning.


A sweeper keeper needs the ability to pass the ball instead of holding it to long. A keeper can be the starting point of a good counter-attack with a long pass, long throw or penetrating kick.

There are three types of distribution methods. These include: defensive, standard and attacking, each method of play requires a different style style of goalkeeper-distribution.

Defensive tactics - The distribution should be set at long distance towards a target-man upfront. You should consider setting a target-man upfront to receive the ball. A fast distribution forward reduces the pressure on your defense and might even lead to a successful counter-attack. Because the defense is playing close to it’s own box, avoid to pass the ball to a defender who can easily get closed down by forwards.

Standard tactics - The distribution should be quick towards one of the wingers. You should consider setting one or both of the wingers as target-men. With a quick throw or pass, they can exploit the space on the wings and start new attacks.

Attacking tactics - The distribution should be set to defender collect. With your defensive line being quite a bit away from your own box, this is the best way to ensure a proper build-up from the back. It’s best to let the wing-backs do the build-up.

Article written by: Messias Souza

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