Tips on Goalkeepers

The goalkeeper is often considered to be the most important player on the team. This is the case for both the sport of soccer and hockey. The reason for this is simple. If the other team can't score then the other team can't win. In soccer and hockey, the team's goalkeeper has a duty to protect the goal at all cost. If the ball or puck makes it into the goal, then the other team gets a point. A goalkeeper has a lot riding as the failure to protect the goal could lead to a loss for the team. This is why soccer and hockey players can benefit from having tips on goalkeeping.

  1. Catching

    • Soccer goalkeepers should work to improve catching because a dropped ball could easily roll into the goal. While hockey goalies should focus on catching or smothering the puck with the glove, soccer players should make sure that the first contact with an approaching ball is soft. This keeps the ball from bouncing hard off you into the goal or toward another opponent. Have your elbows bent so that your arms act as shock absorbers. As it arrives, smother the ball against your chest and try to get both of your hands underneath it. You should also keep your eyes on the ball until you have safely secured it.

    Aggressive

    • Soccer goalkeepers should work on being aggressive enough to come out from the goal line while hockey goalies should stay closer to the goal. Some goalkeepers are afraid that coming up will make the goalkeeper vulnerable to shots going over his head and into the net. However, coming forward from the goal line can be beneficial by allowing you to stop many shots from even being attempted. Coming forward will allow you to grab a loose ball before opponents have a chance to run up and kick it.

    Positioning

    • Hockey goalkeepers should work on being positioned correctly while soccer goalkeepers have a little more freedom to roam. When an opponent is taking a shot, your body should be positioned and squared toward the shooter and the puck. This will increase your chances that the puck will hit your body instead of going past it. You should also keep your eyes on the puck even if it's way on the other end by the opponent's goal. A long shot could occur at any moment and could go by you into the net if you're not paying attention.

    Rebounding

    • Hockey and soccer goalkeepers should work on controlling the rebound because this is also an important part of preventing goals. In hockey, your chest should be allowed to absorb the impact of the puck. You should then immediately wrap yourself around it until you're able to secure the puck. Getting in position to stop a shot will be worthless if a goalkeeper lacks rebounding skills. Shots that were blocked will simply slide free and allow your opponents to take another shot at the goal. If you must deflect the puck, aim the toe of your skates toward the corners so that the puck will slide in that direction and away from your goal.