Goalkeeper Decision-Making and Performance Analysis Framework

This technical report presents a framework designed to analyze and improve the decision-making and performance of goalkeepers in soccer. The research addresses the underrepresentation of goalkeepers in performance metrics and the limitations of existing metrics that primarily focus on save percentages. The framework evaluates goalkeeper positioning and reaction quality during shots on goal, utilizing simulated shots to assess optimal positioning. It introduces various models, including a block model and a save model, to predict the likelihood of a shot being blocked or saved based on the goalkeeper's position and the dynamics of the shot. The report also details the development of a tool for team analysts and coaches, enabling them to analyze specific game episodes and identify areas for improvement in goalkeeper positioning. The findings indicate that real-life goalkeeper movements often differ from model predictions, suggesting a need for further exploration of goalkeeper behavior in match situations.