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The Ready Position
 

The ready position is the position that the keeper should be in whenever play is coming to her.

  • Feet about shoulder width apart.
  • Knees slightly bent
  • Hands up ready to catch
  • Weight evenly distributed
  • You should be ready to pounce in either direction or jump up to make the save
  • Keep your eyes on the ball

Watch a good baseball shortstop to see what a good ready position is.

Also see Getting Set on this site.

 

Goalkeeper Positioning 101

 

Along with catching and footwork, a goal keeper needs to understand positioning - that is where to be when.  The first rule of goal keeper positioning is take the easy shot away from the attacker.  Make the attacker beat you with a super shot not an easy one.

Rule 1 never give up the near post.  Force the shooter to go far post.  Resist the temptation to give up the near post in order to cut off the cross. You must be able to get to all near post shots with both hands.

Rule 2 invite the shooter to shot high. Remember that when the shooter shots high, she has ways to miss the goal--on either side or over the goal.  When the shooter shots low, she can miss on either side--one less chance for error. On a 1 v 1 you invite the shooter to shot high by staying low and keeping your arms and hands low.  

 

A Positioning Drill

Ryan Harris provided this drill.  Thanks Ryan.

One of my coaches had me do this drill and it has helped me with my positioning ever since. You start out with a stake in the middle of the goal on the line. You then measure a rope/leash one foot past the post. Tie one end of the rope to the stake and the other to the keeper.

Place shooters around in the box and instruct the keeper to walk towards the shooter until he feels the rope tighten. The keeper should now have a perfect position on cutting down the angle for the shooter. Work this drill
for 10-15 minutes and then take the rope off. The keeper should have his positioning down after the first few times.

- Ryan Harris

 
 
 
 
 
Copyright 1996-2002 ŠLes Sparks

Les Sparks had the Goalkeeper's Corner website for the Carolina United Soccer Club from 1996 - 2002. 

 
   

Created: 12/20/99
Last Updated: 06/04/03


Since February 24, 1999
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  Web Administrator    Ken Gamble
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