How to Be an All Star Goal Keeper

Last Updated: June 14, 2022

The goal keeper is the last line of defense to prevent the other team from scoring. There are a few things that make an exceptional goal keeper, including awareness, proper form, and ability to move quickly. This article will help you train yourself to maximize these skills to become the best goal keeper you can be!

1

Position your body correctly

Keep your hips pointed towards the ball at all times. Keep your eyes on the ball. This way you'll always be prepared for the shot. Never turn your back to the field.

2

Rely on the "W".

Place both hands next to each other so that the thumbs are touching to create W shape. Use this when catching higher balls and it will be much more effective. Always keep your hands over top of the ball when you catch it so that it falls down to your feet if you can't hold on to it. It's much better to have the ball loose at your feet than to have it loose going through your hands into the net.^{[1]
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3

Shout!

In order for your teammates to know whether to rely on you or to help, you have to communicate. This also helps when a teammate is not doing their job.^{[2]
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4

Stay loose.

If you're always tense, getting hit with the ball will hurt more than if you are relaxed.

5

Position yourself appropriately

Always be positioned a couple feet in front of the goal line. This helps shorten the open areas for the other team to shoot into.^{[3]
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6

Stay balanced.

Always be on the balls of your feet, knees slightly bent and your weight evenly distributed (be balanced). When a shot is taken, while you're in the goal, always move so you are in front of the ball.

7

Be alert.

Always be aware of the everything that is going on on the field. Be ready to rush out at the ball if necessary. When you rush out make sure to be on your toes. When approaching an attacker, dive horizontally at his/her feet. Make sure to cover all the angles. Do not shy away from the ball.^{[4]
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8

Watch your opponents' feet, not their eyes.

The way their feet are positioned before kicking a ball can show you ahead of time where they are kicking. This can help you discern if you should be ready to make a save. ^{[5]
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9

Be prepared for corner kicks.

Corner kicks can come quick. Be ready to rush out and punch the ball out of the air.

Community Q&A

Question

What do I do if there is a 2-on-1 situation?

Community Answer

Your best chance is to wait until the person who has the ball gets close and run towards him and pounce on the ball. If he passes the ball while you are charging him, it will probably be a bad pass because he is under pressure.
Question

How do I dive without getting hurt?

Joven_Mage

Community Answer

Make sure that you are wearing proper equipment, such as knee/elbow pads, and dive properly (on your side, not stomach). Sometimes it's going to hurt a little, it's a tough sport.
Question

What do I do if I don't have equipment?

Community Answer

It really depends on you. Lots of people don't have resources. Lots of footballers (soccer players) who are now top professionals did not have equipment, but they had resourcefulness. They made the best of what they had. If you're determined and creative enough you will find a way. Look into getting second-hand equipment or borrowing from a friend, for example.

Warnings

Watch out for fake shots and misleading eyes

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Be prepared for injuries.

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Things You'll Need

A soccer team to be on. The one you're on will do nicely.
A soccer team to play against. The one you're playing against with the one you're on will do nicely.
A soccer field
Equipment: gloves, cleats, shinguards, padded shirt and shorts, mouthguard.