Goalie Skills
“If you’re a goalkeeper, it doesn’t matter what you save the ball with – if you keep it out, it’s not a goal.” (Mark Lawrenson)
If you’re a soccer goalie I’m now going to give you all the advice you need. And despite the fact that I used to be the captain of my team when I played outfield regularly and that I am qualified to coach outfield players, I now actually play in goal.
So I am lucky in that I can get the best of both worlds- of being able to play outfield and in goal. But this is not just waffle about what I can and can’t do, I’m saying this so you know I am just as familiar with goalkeeping as I am with the rest of soccer.
Bearing this in mind, before you learn about the specific skills of goalkeeping from me, maybe you’d like to look at my explanation of the role of goalkeeping first (under soccer positions) if you haven’t done so already. You can be sure that you are not being taught goalkeeping by people who no nothing about the art (and there are a lot out there!). You are getting explanations on some essentiel skills from someone who practices them week in week out.
So read about all these different goalkeeping techniques, put them into practice and soon you will be well on your way to becoming the complete goalkeeper.
Handling
Handling is vital for a goalkeeper: you need to be able to catch the ball. So many goalkeepers nowadays just flap at it and parry it! Sometimes this is justified due to the sheer speed some players kick the ball at, but you really need to catch it when it is at all possible. I show you how and why. Learn more about handling
Positioning
Positioning is another very important skill- being in the right position makes the save much much much easier! I give you a great little technique to get your positioning right every time. Learn more about positioning
Shot Stopping
Shot stopping in my view is the best bit about being a goalkeeper. If you are good at shot stopping and you get the chance to make a save then you really can impress. Learn more about shot stopping
Distribution
The ability to offload the ball to your players quickly and acurately is a useful one. I’ll take you through rolling, throwing and kicking. Learn more about distribution
Corners
Corners are one of the trickiest parts about goalkeeping. I show you how to position your defenders and come and take the ball if necessary- but communication is also essentiel. Don’t put this in the ‘too-hard box’! Learn more about corners
Penalties
I love penalties as a soccer goalie- they are your chance to shine because you are not expected to save them. Here’s how you can. Learn more about penalties
Free Kicks
The opposition get a free kick just outside your penalty area: you need to set a wall and if the ball comes through, you need to be able to save it. Learn more about free kicks
Coming off the Line
Coming off your line to play sweeper or to face 1 on 1′s are among the most common activities for a goalkeeper in matchplay. If I could recommend one thing you got good at as a soccer goalie it would be this- trust me! Learn more about coming off the line
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