Goalkeeper, often shortened to
keeper or
goalie, is one of the major
positions of
association football. It is the most specialised 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 it away from the vicinity of the goal line and also becoming the so-called brick wall. Within the
penalty area 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 usually 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. If an attacker on the opposing team obstructs the keeper from catching or saving the ball, for example, in a corner, it will normally be a free kick.