How to Be a Better Goalkeeper

Goalkeeping is an important aspect of many sports, including soccer, hockey and rugby. The job of the goalkeeper is simply to keep the opposing team from placing the ball in your net and scoring. Learning how to do this job effectively is an important element of the sport.

Instructions

    • 1

      Give 100 percent of yourself during every game and play. Doing things halfway can result in missed goals and opportunities. You should always stay alert during games to make sure you never miss anything.

    • 2

      Stay in shape by doing drills with your team and staying on a workout regimen. This will make it easier for you to field goals in the future.

    • 3

      Work on your catching skills if you are a soccer goalkeeper. Doing a few catching drills daily will improve your reflexes. You will also need to work on keeping a grip on the ball so that you don't let it slip back into the net. Have teammates kick high balls to you to practice catching.

    • 4

      Improve your footwork and ability to get up quickly after falling or diving during a game. Do this by practicing both falling and getting up quickly and running in intricate patterns.

    • 5

      Pick the optimal position for your opponent's kick or hit at all times by anticipating his movements. This can't always be done perfectly, but you can work on it by practicing with teammates. Experiment with different positions during practice to figure out what the best angle is for you to catch the ball from different places on the field.

    • 6

      Communicate with your teammates when goalkeeping. You can do this by hand signals to help make sure your team is always aware.

    • 7

      Practice goalkeeping as much as possible. After conditioning with your team, you should focus on drills that allow you to improve your stamina, catching and reflexes.

    • 8

      Work on your kicks to make sure you are able to get the ball back to your teammates after a save. Practice kicking the ball in different positions and discuss with your teammates the best way for them to receive the ball.

    • 9

      Become better at blocking penalty kicks by trying to determine where the ball is going using clues from the kicker. Watch his plant foot, as the ball usually goes in the same direction as that foot. You should watch his hips, too, as balls often go where the hips point. Watch his eyes, as he will often look in the direction he wishes the ball to go. Practice stopping goals with stationary kickers often during your training so that you can narrow in on body language and how it correlates to the direction of the ball.