Goal Tending Tips for Soccer
By Learning Center·
Goal Tending Tips for Soccer
Being a soccer goalie can be very hard since everyone is expecting you to make that all vital save. Failure to do so will result in everyone seeing you as the person who caused the team their loss. The difference between a goalie and other soccer players is that a goalie can use his/her hands while others can't. However, this advantage only stays within the penalty box. Beyond that, the goalie will face similar wrath from the referee as other in-field players.
In order to become one of the best shot stoppers in the world, here are a few goal tending tips that soccer goalkeepers must take note of.
Command of the penalty area – it is important that the goalkeeper stay aware of his/her position in relation to the ball; as well as the position of the defenders and that of the opposition strikers. A simple instruction like asking your defender to mark the near post and you taking the far post can restrict an attacker from scoring.
Communication – one thing that most goalies fail to do is talk to their defenders. It is essential that goalkeepers keep communicating with their defenders, both during and before matches and also in practice. As a goalkeeper, you should be aware of the positions that your defenders will be taking in addition to the players they mark. Ensuring you have a man on the post during corners can save you a lot of goals in a season, since they clear shots off-the-line in positions a goalie wouldn't have reached. Communication is very important, especially during corners, as it helps eliminate unnecessary misunderstandings that may result in loose balls in the penalty area, which are very dangerous.
One-on-one marking – there can be very tricky attackers who can easily outshine your defenders. When goalies find themselves in such a situation, it is important that they make the goal very small for the attacker. Make sure to keep on your feet as much as you can and force the attacker into making a decision about the part of the goal they are to shoot at. Some strikers will start doubting themselves regarding the position in which to aim due to the reduced view of goal. Going down too early helps strikers make their decision about the spot to aim at, as well as increase their view of goal. Furthermore, make sure you try crunching as low as possible in order to be in a position to quickly react and get your hands on shots coming from the side.
Corner kicks – the spot you take during corner kicks will depend on the foot of the player taking the corner. An in-swinging corner will require you to take a spot near the goal line so as to protect the goal. In case of an out-swinging ball, a goalie can take a few steps towards the 6-yard box, perhaps three to four yards. Most importantly is to catch the ball while at its highest point since you can use hands. Make sure your thumbs stay behind the ball in order to secure it and also come out with your knee for self protection against attackers.