Skill: Goalkeeping

The goalkeeper is undoubtably the most important and unique player on the soccer field. Besides being the only player legally able to use his hands on the field, the goalkeeper is straddled with the responsibility to save his team from the jaws of defeat or keep his team on the road to victory.

As a goalkeeper, one must be able to catch or block all shots directed at one's goal. Besides being the last line of defense, a keeper is also responsible for starting your team's attack by distributing the ball accurately. The goalkeeper position is a demanding one, both physically and mentally.

Goalkeeping skills you can pick up from SGO include the basic stance, methods of receiving high, low, and middle shots, how to dive well, and how to distribute the ball.

Basic Stance.. the "ready" position

The basic goalkeeping stance is assumed when an opponent has the ball within shooting range. This position allows easy movement in all directions.

Square your shoulders to the ball, with feet spread shoulder width apart. Your head and upper body must remain straight and knees slightly flexed. Body weight should be centred on the balls of your feet, with heels slightly above the ground. Position your hips and behind as if you were sitting on a medium-height bar stool. Hold hands at about waist level, with palms forward and fingers pointing upwards. Keep your head steady and focus on the ball.

Distribution of the Ball

After a save is made, play has to resume, and this is done by the goalkeeper passing the ball out. When the intended target is less than 15 metres away, you may want to roll the ball to him or her. This is just like bowling; keep the ball on the floor. Throwing the ball is another option. Throws can be classified into two main types, the "baseball throw" and the "javelin throw", both of which resemble their namesakes. The javelin throw is naturally more powerful as it involves the entire throwing arm rather than only the hand. Of course, the most powerful way, though not always the most accurate, is to kick the ball upfield. The full volley punt and the drop kick are two of the common methods used by keepers around the world. Both are about the same; you chuck the ball into the air and volley it upfield. Only difference is, with the full volley punt, a full volley is used, while with the drop kick, it is a half volley. The drop kick is preferably used on windy days.

Saving low shots

Ball rolling directly at keeper

  1. Assume ready position.
  2. Bend forward at waist, with arms extended downwards, palms forward and cupped.
  3. Allow ball to roll onto wrist and forearm.
  4. Withdraw slightly upon impact (holding ball) and return to standing position.
  5. Distribute the ball. You may choose to clutch the ball to your chest first to signal to the opposing forwards that it is now out of bounds to them.

Low shot directly at keeper

  1. Assume ready position.
  2. Bend forward at the waist, with knees flexed.
  3. Dive forward with arms extended towards ball.
  4. Scoop ball up and drop onto forearms. Keep the ball between your chest and arms.
  5. Spread your legs and get to your feet.
  6. Distribute the ball.

Ball rolling to side of keeper

  1. Assume ready position.
  2. Shuffle across goal towards the ball.
  3. Extend lead foot, flex knee.
  4. Kneel on trailing leg.
  5. Follow steps 2 to 5 of the "ball rolling directly at keeper" technique.

Saving high balls

Chest-high or head-high shots

  1. Assume ready position.
  2. Watch the ball as it arrives.
  3. Stretch arms out to catch it, with hands in a "W" position.
  4. With arms flexed, look through the "window".
  5. Receive ball on fingertips and withdraw on contact to soften the impact of the ball.
  6. Distribute the ball.

Overhead shots

  1. Assume ready position. Move towards the ball.
  2. Jump, taking off on one leg.
  3. Extend arms, with hands in a "W" position.
  4. Head behind your hands.
  5. Catch the ball at the peak of your jump. (timing is crucial here)
  6. Distribute the ball.

Diving to make a save

One of the most acrobatic and exciting moments in soccer is when a goalkeeper dives across goal to deny the opposing team their point.

  1. Assume ready position.
  2. Jump, pushing off with the foot in the direction you wish to dive; ie the right foot for for a dive to the right.
  3. Extend your arms. Keep your head behind your arms.
  4. Receive the ball with your fingertips and palms, or punch it away.
  5. If you have the ball, clutch it to your chest.
  6. Fall on your side, not your stomach, to prevent injury.