| The soccer goalies are the heroes of the team in the | | | | because a skilled striker can attack in the very least |
| sport of soccer. They are the last line of defense | | | | time unexpectedly. |
| and usually get the hardest bumps from opponents | | | | A goalie should also have the proper stance or |
| wanting to get past the defense for the goal. Goalies | | | | position ready to jump anytime the ball is shot for |
| will do whatever it takes to keep away the ball from | | | | the goal. A powerful shot can be difficult to catch |
| the goals; they dive even with the hardest ground | | | | but with the proper technique it would be very easy |
| just to defend the goal. | | | | for the goalie. The most common technique in |
| Soccer is not all about scoring goals but must also | | | | catching is the "W" technique. This technique involves |
| posses a good goalie in order to have greater chance | | | | shaping the thumbs and fingers in a diamond like |
| of winning. Good goalies must have a strong | | | | shape so as to provide the best support and helps in |
| leadership and confidence in order to encourage | | | | preventing the ball from slipping. |
| other team members to cooperate accordingly. | | | | The soccer goalies are usually the best players in a |
| Goalies must be keen in analyzing and anticipating any | | | | team. They are fearless, tough and well respected |
| attempts from the opponent. Another factor that | | | | because of the great importance of their role in the |
| can contribute to being an effective goalie is the | | | | game. |
| ability to react in split seconds which is very crucial | | | | |