Goalkeeper
The defensive player whose main job is to guard the goal and stop the ball from crossing the goal line.
Definition
A goalkeeper is the player positioned in front of, or inside, the goal with the specific task of preventing the opposing team from scoring. In sports such as football, futsal, field hockey and handball, the goalkeeper is usually the only player allowed to handle the ball within a marked area around the goal, and they often wear a different-coloured shirt to be clearly identified.
Goalkeepers rely on quick reactions, positioning and communication, directing team-mates in front of them and organising the defence. Beyond making saves, they typically restart play with throws, kicks or passes and are often the last line of defence when an attacker breaks through.
Where you’ll hear “goalkeeper”
Sports that use this term:
Football
The world’s most popular team sport — endless running, teamwork and community in one game.
Futsal
A fast, small-sided indoor form of football played on a hard court with a low-bounce ball.
Field Hockey
An outdoor team sport that uses curved sticks to move a ball, built on agility and teamwork.
Handball
A fast indoor team sport of passing, jumping and throwing to score with the hands.
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Rules
- Handball offenceA foul in football committed when an outfield player deliberately handles or controls the ball with the hand or arm.
- OffsideA rule that prevents an attacker from gaining an advantage by being positioned too close to the opponents' goal ahead of the ball and the last defenders.
- TravelingA basketball violation for moving illegally with the ball without dribbling it.
- Out of boundsThe rule that a ball or player leaving the marked playing area is out of play and possession is decided at the boundary.
- Double dribbleA basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
Positions
- GoalkeeperThe goalkeeper is the last line of defence in football and the only player allowed to handle the ball inside their own penalty area.
- Shooting guardThe shooting guard is a perimeter player whose main role is to score, especially from mid-range and beyond the three-point line.
- Centre-backA centre-back is a central defender in football whose main job is to stop opposing attackers and clear the ball from dangerous areas.
- StrikerA striker is the main attacking player in football, positioned furthest forward with the primary job of scoring goals.
- Defensive midfielderA defensive midfielder sits in front of the defence, breaking up opposition attacks and shielding the back line.
Facilities
- Football pitchThe large rectangular grass or artificial-turf field on which football (soccer) is played, with a goal at each end.
- Multi-use games area (MUGA)A fenced outdoor hard-surface area marked for several sports, common in schools, parks and community facilities.
- Volleyball courtA rectangular court split by a high net over which two teams rally the ball, played indoors or on sand.
- Sports hallA large indoor hall with multi-sport line markings, used for court sports like basketball, volleyball and badminton.
- Padel courtAn enclosed court, much smaller than a tennis court, walled with glass and mesh so the ball can be played off the walls.
Player roles
- Last line of defenceThe final barrier between an attack and a score — the goalkeeper, sweeper or last-ditch defender whose job is to stop what the rest of the team has let through.
- FinisherA finisher is the attacking outlet in a team sport whose main job is converting chances into points — the striker, goal shooter or go-to scorer.
- PlaymakerThe playmaker is a team's creative hub — the player who orchestrates attacks, controls the tempo and distributes the ball so teammates can score.
- Ball-winnerA ball-winner is the player tasked with regaining possession through pressing, tackling and interceptions — a team's tireless defensive workhorse.
- SweeperA covering defender who plays behind the main defensive line, free of a fixed marking job, to read danger and clean up attacks that slip past teammates.
Tactics
- High pressA football tactic where a team hunts the ball high up the pitch to win it back close to the opponent’s goal.
- Zone defenceA defensive system where each player guards an area of the court rather than a specific opponent.
- Offside trapA defensive football tactic where the back line steps up together to leave an attacker offside.
- Pick and rollA two-player basketball action where one player screens for the ball-handler, then rolls to the basket.
- Breakaway and pelotonThe cycling tension between the main pack riding together and small groups that break clear to gain time.
Officiating
- Foul callA foul call is an official's ruling that a player broke a rule of contact or conduct, triggering a penalty such as a free kick, free throw or penalty.
- Out-of-Bounds CallAn official's ruling that the ball or a player in possession has left the legal playing area, stopping play and handing a restart or possession to the opponent.
- Line JudgeA boundary-line official who calls whether the ball or player is in or out and flags foot faults, working under the head referee across many sports.
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- Tier A — evergreen educational
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- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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