Goalkeeping Special Training
The
goalkeeper in soccer is also called the doorman, the keeper, goalie, bouncer or
netminder. Eduardo Galeano gave a humorous description of a goalkeeper: “But he
could just as well be called martyr, pay-all, penitent or punching bag. They say
where he walks, the grass never grows.”
The goalkeeper is one of the most
important players on the field. The last line of defense and the first line of
attack, the goalkeeper must possess special skills and training. Safety and
effectiveness is the name of the game when it comes to goaltending.
The goalkeeper’s main objective is
to prevent the ball from entering the goal. He does that by either clearing it
or catching it. It is important that the keeper has the right footwork and does
not have sloppy hands when catching the ball. A desperate diving attempt is a
final resort to protecting the net from difficult shots.
The following are ways to handle the
ball by goalkeepers:
- Rolling ball pickup
This is done by getting down on one
knee and scooping the ball with your hands. You must make sure that the ball
does not go though your legs. You do this by planting your other foot near the
grounded knee. Cradle the ball and lock it against your chest.
- Grounding the ball
Leap sideways. As you handle the
ball, form the bottom part of the W with your fingers from the arm parallel to
the ground. The other hand should be used for guiding the ball.
- Diving for air shots
It is described as a scissors-like
movement, similar to a bicycle kick. You must first raise the knee of your foot
which is further away from the ball. With the knee up, take off from the foot
nearer to the ball. Accelerate the knee of your leaping foot while extending the
other. Get your hands on top of the ball as you are catching it. Use it as a
landing cushion. The ball must land on the ground first before the rest of your
body. You should not land the dive on your side.
- Crosses
With this technique you must take
off from one leg with the knee of the other raised as high as you can. After you
grip the ball, bring it to your chest and lean over it.
