Tips for Goalkeeping
As the last line of defense to stop the opposing team from scoring, the goalkeeper must know how to react to the opponent’s offensive formation while being aware of available teammates to shift the ball to their possession. It is important to stay calm and collected during the most critical situations even when opponents are spread out and are moving aggressively in the penalty box.
FIFA 21 is available on multiple platforms: Google Stadia, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows (PC).
Get comfortable with the controls.
You will want to familiarize yourself with everything the goalkeeper can do during a match. This allows you to have all of the position’s tools at your disposal to step up to any kind of situation on the pitch.
| Input | Command |
|---|---|
| ◯ or × | Drop kick |
| × | Throw/pass |
| △ | Drop ball |
| R1 | Pickup ball |
| R1 + × | Driven throw |
| R1 + □ | Driven kick |
| R3 (hold) | Move goalkeeper |
| Touchpad | Switch to goalkeeper |
Move the Goalkeeper
You can press the right analog stick down (R3) and tilt it toward the direction of the outside the goal line to save the ball when the opposing team’s striker has moved the ball too far from him to make a shot or to pass to another player. This technique, however, should not be used to go too far from the post and give your opponent the chance to lob the ball over you for a goal.
Defensive options
Goalkeepers have access to a few useful techniques reset the game upon interacting with the ball on the pitch. The drop kick, for instance, is a simple but less accurate move to deflect the ball from the direction of the post. As much as possible, aim your drop kick in the direction of where a good cluster of your teammates are gathered to increase the chances of gaining possession to mount a counterattack.
The throw, meanwhile, is among the most accurate ways to immediately initiate the offense on your side when you have picked up the ball. Have your wingers and side backs ready to receive the throw to begin the counterattack.
The pass is another simple way to drive the ball away from the post and toward a receiving player near the penalty box. Note that you should always assess the situation in the box to make sure that none of the players you will pass to is marked by opponents. If you do not keep this in mind when performing a pass, you risk having your opponent intercept the ball to score with a quick goal.
Defending during penalty kicks
Blocking penalty kicks involves a fair amount of luck and prediction on your part along with understanding factors such as the opponent’s strong foot (right or left). It also helps to observe which way your opponent is facing and even the direction they turn their head at the last second to know where the shot will go.
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