A Beginners’ Guide To Goalkeeping
Playing in goals requires a unique set of skills so we’re going to break down the 4 basic saves and ball-handling techniques that goalkeepers use. Whether you have some experience or are a complete beginner, this guide can help you dive into the world of goalkeeping!
Here at GSL, we wanted to shine a spotlight on a position that can be an intimidating challenge to undertake and one that is often overlooked. Goalkeepers are very important, so important that they quite often hold the fate of a game in their hands. We think they deserve a special shoutout and that’s why we have dedicated a whole segment to goalkeeping. So, let’s take a look at the first of our goalkeeping tips.
The Set Position
US Women’s National Team goalkeeper, Ashlyn Harris
Firstly, it is essential to have a solid set position as a goalkeeper so that you can be ready to get into any necessary position to make the save. In the image above, US goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris demonstrates a perfect example of the set position.
Basics of a set position:
Eyes are on the ball
Chest in line with the knees and facing the ball
Elbows in front of the body, with hands in front of the feet
Knees slightly bent
Handling and Save Techniques
1. Scoop or ‘ramp’
Canada Women’s National Team goalkeeper, Kailen Sheridan
When to use this technique
The scoop is primarily used to save or gather low balls, which means a ball that is played along the ground and up to knee height. This handling technique is most effective when goalkeepers have time to position themselves in line with the ball. Canada’s current number-one goalkeeper, Kailen Sheridan, shows the perfect execution of this handling technique.
How to use this technique
Adjust your body position to be in line with the direction of the ball
Keep your feet wide and bend your knees to get low to the ground
Bend your elbows and reach down in front of you
Use the fingers and palm to create a smooth “ramp” for the ball to roll into
Scoop the ball tightly to your chest
2. Cup or ‘basket’
Sweden Women’s National Team goalkeeper, Zecira Musovic
When to use this technique
This is best suited when you need to stop fast-paced shots that are above knee height around the chest or stomach area.
How to use this technique
Position yourself directly in line with the approaching ball
As the shot comes in, keep your elbows bent and guide it to your chest area
Allow the ball to hit your body first and cushion the blow
Maintain forward momentum and balance
Catch the ball tightly against your chest
3. W’s or V’s
Nigeria Women’s National Team goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie
When to use this technique
The name of this save comes from the ‘W’ shape which forms when both hands meet at the thumbs. Nigerian goalkeeper Nnadozie (above) demonstrates this positioning of the hands. This technique is best for shots that approach at head height, in particular when high crosses or corner kicks are fired into the box.
How to use this technique
Spread your fingers wide and bring your two thumbs together to create a ‘W’ shape.
As the ball strikes your gloves, be firm in the wrists so that the speed of the ball doesn’t blow your hands back or allow the ball to slip through.
At the same time, stay soft in the hands, acting like a shock absorber to stop the ball dead
Try to wrap your hands around the top half of the ball rather than the bottom. This means if the ball isn’t caught, it will drop down in front of you to recover, rather than going over your head and possibly into the goal.
4. Diving W’s
Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team goalkeeper, Courtney Brosnan
When to use this technique
The Diving W save is used when the ball is too far away from the keeper to claim it while still on their feet. To ensure you execute this technique you need to make sure to move both hands in sync and keep them close together to meet the ball.
How to use this technique
Make sure your hands are in the W position with thumbs close together
Lead with the hands and dive slightly forward so that you can retrieve the ball if it is spilled
Just before you make contact with the ball, maintain a slight bend in your elbows
Again, remember to keep the wrists firm and hands soft to help you control the ball
That concludes our four beginner ball-handling and saving techniques! These are just some of the many different techniques that goalkeepers can use. If you’d like to see more content for goalkeepers then please let us know! We hope you found this introduction to goalkeeping skills informative, and we hope this might inspire you to try your hand at goalkeeping.
Remember, every great goalkeeper starts as a beginner, but with practice you can achieve your goals between the goalposts too!