How to Catch a Shot Like a Goalkeeper

Soccer goalies know how to use their hands and body weight to deflect shots away from the goal. If you can't catch the shot comfortably with just your hands, you can use the ground to help cradle the ball. Depending on the velocity of the shot, you may not be able to catch the ball with your hands. If you cannot get behind the ball quick enough or the shot is coming at you too fast, knocking the ball away can be a safer option than attempting to catch it.

Instructions

  1. Standing Catch

    • 1

      Extend your arms in front of you and aim them towards the incoming ball. Your hands should be turned slightly inwards with your thumbs touching and your knees should be shoulder width apart and slightly bent. Your hands should form a "W" between the thumbs and index fingers.

    • 2

      Position your body in front of the incoming shot and bend your elbows slightly as you brace for impact.

    • 3

      Aim your hands to grab the top two-thirds of the ball and hold the ball as it hits your hands. This will keep the ball from ricocheting off the top of hands and into the back of the goal. If you mishandle the ball, it will bounce in front of your body.

    Leaping Catch

    • 4

      Lower your hips and bend your knees to get ready for the upcoming shot. Once you see that the ball is coming and feel you cannot get your body behind it in time, take a step in the direction towards the shot. Use the foot on the side the shot is aimed towards. Your step should be slightly forward to help cut off the angle.

    • 5

      Shift your weight onto the foot that you took a step with and bend your knee. Drive your foot into the ground and leap towards the incoming shot.

    • 6

      Extend your hands toward the ball as you jump towards it. Your hands should be turned slightly inwards with your thumbs touching to create a cradle for the ball.

    • 7

      Cup the shot with both hands and hold on to it as you fall to your side. Be sure to keep your arms extended, but with your elbows still bent. Bring the ball into your body as soon as you can to secure it. If the shot is low, use the ground to help slow down the velocity of the shot. While holding onto the ball during a low shot, push the ball towards the ground so that the ball touches the ground before your hands or arms do.

    • 8

      Deflect the ball away if you feel you cannot grab it. Leap towards the ball as before, but this time use the palms of hands to punch the ball away from the goal. Be sure to push your hands out and through the ball so that it deflects away from the goal.