| The Last Line of Defense | | | | However, a soccer goalkeeper must train differently |
| Without your fearless soccer goalies, where would | | | | than other players due to his unique role. Performing |
| you be? They may scream at you, but that is part | | | | special soccer goalkeeper drills and using medicine |
| of their job, and maybe you deserve it? And I am | | | | type balls for practice will help you to keep balls out |
| sure that you are not going to go back there and | | | | of your net. |
| dive on the ground, and on other bodies, to save the | | | | Keys To The Position |
| ball. | | | | There are some basic keys that will get a goalie |
| As the soccer goalie you do get some special | | | | started off on the right foot, no matter what level |
| privileges. You are the only one who can legally use | | | | you play at. |
| your hands in soccer. Of course you can only do that | | | | - Use your hands to form a "W" in front of you. Put |
| in the penalty area, also known as the 18 yard box. | | | | your thumbs together and your index (first) finger |
| Putting It On The Line | | | | together. Face your palms toward the shooter. |
| Yes, soccer goalies do put it on the line: | | | | Applying this technique when facing a shot head on |
| - Dive hard to keep the ball from going into the net. | | | | will prevent the ball from slipping between your |
| And sometimes the field is pretty hard. | | | | hands. |
| - Jump into the air trying to win the challenge for the | | | | - Let the ball meet your hands. Do not try to grab |
| ball. And other players often land on them. | | | | the ball as if you are trying to squash a mosquito |
| - They will face down a shooter from just 12 yards | | | | between your hands. |
| away on penalty kicks. 12 yards! And you expect | | | | - Keep your body between you and the soccer goal. |
| them to stop that penalty kick every time. They | | | | - When you catch the ball bring it tightly into your |
| should be respected. | | | | body and cradle it. Or of you end up on the ground, |
| What a Goalkeeper Needs | | | | protect that ball as if it was gold. You do not want |
| Soccer goalies, like all soccer players, will need the | | | | any chance that the ball may come loose or drop to |
| right soccer goalkeeper gear in order to play properly. | | | | the ground, because you are always very close to |
| Some people will call it soccer goalkeeper equipment. | | | | the goal if you can grab the ball. |
| I leave that up to you. What soccer goalies need: | | | | - Stay balanced. Mentally and physically. |
| - A durable, comfortable pair of soccer cleats, or | | | | Not Just For Defense |
| soccer shoes. It will depend on the playing surface | | | | Although we have been talking about how this |
| - Soccer shin guards will protect their lower legs. | | | | position is about stopping the ball, it doesn't end or |
| - Soccer socks to cover the shin guards and keep | | | | begin there. Soccer goalkeepers can start a play |
| them in place. | | | | build-up with a punt, or by tossing the ball to another |
| - Padded soccer shorts or goalie pants. These have | | | | player. |
| padded hips to absorb the impact from dives and | | | | Haven't you seen a goalkeeper leave his goal for a |
| falls. | | | | corner kick late in the game? They can scores goals |
| - A soccer goalie jersey. It is always a different color | | | | too! Traditionally keepers have made very good |
| than your team's jersey. This is so the referee can | | | | strikers. Is it their independent attitude? Or maybe |
| distinguish you from every other player. These also | | | | because strikers and goalkeepers face each other |
| have padded elbows to reduce the shock of impact | | | | often in a 1 vs 1 situation? |
| with other players and the ground. | | | | Leadership Role |
| - Soccer goalie gloves will provide that extra grip you | | | | Many goalkeepers will be made the captain of their |
| need to make those fingertip saves. | | | | team. Besides, who sees more of the field than a |
| The Difference | | | | goalkeeper? And he is the boss in the 18 yard box, |
| A skilled soccer goalkeeper can make the difference | | | | so do what the keeper says. If you don't, you could |
| between winning and losing. Their priority is to stop | | | | get hurt by your own goalie. So be sure to work out |
| the ball. Obviously, as a soccer player you can help | | | | a communication with your goalkeeper. If he calls the |
| him by keeping the ball out of your end, or covering | | | | ball, let him have it. He can see, you may not see him. |
| for him when he leaves his line to win the ball. | | | | |