The 11th Player: Insights from Ziggy Zigante on the Modern Goalkeeper

---

• Goalkeeper Player Camp (Nov. 14-16): A specialized, three-day intensive camp for dedicated goalkeepers.
  • When: Nov. 14-16 (Youngers & Olders sessions available)
  • Cost: $200 per player ($100 for current FC Balboa players)
  • Location: Friday | Morley Field (2221 Morley Field Dr., 92104), Saturday | Edison Elementary, Sunday | TBD
  • Register: http://fcbalboa.byga.net/programs/44s8ewh0u1/signup
• Goalkeeper Coaching Clinic (Nov. 14-16): An essential clinic for coaches of all levels to master the art of training goalkeepers.
  • When: Nov. 14 (7-9 PM), Nov. 15 (11 AM-1 PM), Nov. 16 (11 AM-1 PM)
  • Cost: $150 per coach ($75 for current FC Balboa coaches)
  • Location: Friday Classroom | Coach B's 2527 University Ave, 92104, Saturday (Field) | Edison Elementary, Sunday (Field) | TBD
  • Register: http://fcbalboa.byga.net/f/fagaapayzx

---

We recently had the chance to sit down with renowned Croatian coach Ziggy Zigante to discuss the incredible evolution of the goalkeeper position. As Ziggy explained, the days of a keeper just being a great shot-stopper are long gone. The modern game demands much more.

So, why the change? Ziggy points to a few key factors:

• Teams now prioritize keeping possession and building attacks from the back. Playing through the keeper is crucial to avoid losing the ball unnecessarily.
• Field conditions are generally much better than they were decades ago, making playing passes on the ground back to the keeper a much less risky option.
  
  

What Does the "11th Player" Really Mean?  You often hear the term "11th player" or "11th outfielder" when describing today's goalkeepers. Ziggy broke down what this means tactically:

• Relieving Pressure: A keeper comfortable on the ball provides a safe outlet when defenders are under pressure.
• Starting the Attack: They are the first attacker! Their distribution – whether a quick roll, a driven pass, or an accurate long ball – initiates the offense.
• Tactical Awareness: Modern keepers must read the game, understand the opponent's press, and make smart decisions about where and how to distribute the ball. Should they play short to build possession or go long to bypass pressure?
• Sweeper-Keeper Role: With teams playing higher defensive lines, the keeper must be brave and intelligent enough to come off their line and control the space behind the defense, intercepting through-balls.
  
  

Training the Modern Keeper

Ziggy emphasized that developing these skills requires a shift in training:

• Foot Skills are Essential: Keepers need a reliable first touch, accurate passing ability (with both feet!), and the confidence to handle back-passes under pressure.
• Integration is Key: While specialized keeper training is still important, modern keepers need to spend significant time training with the team. Participating in rondos, possession games, and tactical build-up drills is crucial for them to understand team patterns and develop their on-ball skills in realistic scenarios.
• Repetition Builds Confidence: Practicing game situations repeatedly – like playing out from the back against a high press – builds the confidence needed to execute under pressure in a real match.
  
  

More Than Just Technique

While foot skills are vital, Ziggy stressed that the core attributes remain critical:

• Bravery & Psychology: A keeper must be brave, confident (but not arrogant), focused for the entire 90 minutes, and mentally strong enough to handle mistakes.
• Reading the Game: Understanding positioning and anticipating plays are just as important as physical saves.
  
  

Ziggy's Advice for Young FC Balboa Keepers

Ziggy's final advice was clear: Work hard, stay focused, respect the position, be confident, and always enjoy playing the game. He also encouraged young keepers to watch various professional keepers, especially those with similar physical attributes, and learn from them, but ultimately develop their own style.

At FC Balboa, we are committed to developing complete, modern goalkeepers who embody these principles – players who can command their box, make crucial saves, and confidently contribute to our team's possession and attack.