Goalkeeping

Goalkeepers are the last line of defence in a game of soccer. Good goalkeeping can save a team many times so it is important to have a decent keeper.

Speed, agility, lightning reactions and excellent handling skills are some of the obvious qualities required to be a good goalkeeper. There is much more to the art, however, goalkeepers have to be brave and be prepared to go for the ball with striker running towards you.

The best keepers dominate their penalty area, both physically and with a powerful set of lungs! A powerful, decisive keeper makes defenders lives much easier. In soccer matchs, goalkeepers are often seen shouting at team-mates. This is crucial, as they are in the best position to spot any danger signs early.

Commanding goalkeepers must give confidence to the outfield players, and strong defences are built on confidence, just as technical ability and good positional play. The other quality keepers must have is concentration.

Goalkeepers may have nothing to do for long periods, then find themselves facing a high-pressure one-on-one situation. It is important for keepers to stay focused on the game at all times.

Goalkeeping takes lots of practice to perfect, just like any other skill.

Shot Stopping
Goalkeepers must try to get as much of their body behind the ball as possible. It is better to use two hands than one. Of course, it isn't always possible to get your body behind the ball, so it is important to try and get something behind the ball, be it your hand, fingertips or even out-stretched leg. Even the slightest touch can change the direction of a shot to prevent a goal.

Shots along the ground
For shots along the ground, most keepers drop to their knees and scoop the ball up with two hands. Others bend their back and stoop to take the ball. Depending on what you prefer, it is a matter of indivudual preference. Although it is safer to use the former when pitch conditions are bumpy or poor. Low shots along the ground are some of the hardest shots to save. It is vital to try and get low to the ground as fast as possible.

Low Shots
For shots between knee and waist height, get the body behind the ball and use the scooping technique to bring it into the chest. If the shot is low, the body will naturallt topple forward, but the ball will be safely cupped to the chest before you hit the ground.

Shots at chest height
Goalkeeping made easy. These are bread-and-butter saves, they are going exactly where you want it. Two techniques are commonly used. One is to cup your hands around the ball as it hits your chest. The body should yeild on impact to provide a cushioned surface and help the ball stick. However, the danger with this technique is that the ball may rebound off the chest before the goalkeeper can clutch onto it. For that reason, some keepers prefer to catch the ball out in front of the body. Here, the fingers are spread and pointing upwards.

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Goalkeeping