Home

Soccer Newsletter

Soccer Gear

Soccer Cleats

Soccer Boot

Nike Soccer Cleats

Soccer Jerseys

Replica Jerseys

World Cup Jerseys

Soccer Shoes

Adidas Shoes

Indoor Shoes

Lotto Indoor

Nike Soccer Shoes

Womens Indoor

Soccer Socks

Soccer Uniforms

Youth Soccer Gear

Youth Indoor Shoes

Soccer Equipment

Soccer Backpacks

Soccer Balls

Adidas Soccer Ball

Nike Soccer Balls

World Cup Ball

Corner Flags

Soccer Goal

Portable Goal

Soccer Net

Soccer Goalies

Soccer Goalkeeper Gear

Soccer Referee

Referee Turf Shoes

Referee Uniforms

Soccer Training

Soccer Exercises

Training Drills

Weight Training

Soccer Links

Soccer Blog

LEFT for soccer-gear-equipment.com

Soccer Goalies

"The Last Line of Defense"

Where would you be without your fearless soccer goalies? Sure they may scream at you alot, but maybe you deserve it? And are you going to go back there and jump back and forth landing on the ground, or other bodies, to save the ball?

As the soccer goalie you get special privileges. You are the only one who gets to legally use your hands in the game of soccer. Of course you can only do that in the penalty area, also called the 18 yard box.

Putting It On The Line

Yes, soccer goalies do put it on the line. They:

Dive all over the place trying keep the ball from going into the net. And sometimes the field is pretty hard.
They jump into the air with many others trying to win the challenge for the ball. And other soccer players land on them often.
They face a shooter from only 12 yards away on penalty kicks. 12 yards! And you always expect them to stop the penalty kick.

We should have respect for the guys that do this.

What a Goalkeeper Needs

Soccer goalies will need the right soccer goalkeeper gear in order to take the punishment that they get. Some people will call it soccer goalkeeper equipment. I leave that up to you. Here are the pieces to the puzzle:

A tough, comfortable pair of soccer cleats, or soccer shoes. It depends on the playing surface.
Soccer shinguards to protect their lower legs.
Soccer socks to cover the shinguards and keep them in place.
Padded soccer shorts or goalkeeper pants. These are padded on the hips to help absorb some of the impact form dives and falls.
A soccer goalie jersey. It is always a different color than your team's jersey. This is so the referee can distinguish you from every other player. These also have padded elbows to reduce the shock of impact with other players and the ground.
Soccer goalie gloves will provide that extra grip you need to make those fingertip saves.

The Difference

Skilled soccer goalies can be the difference between a winning and losing record for your soccer team. The goalkeeper's priority is stopping the ball. Obviously, as a soccer player you can help him by not letting the ball get near your end, or covering for him when he leaves his line to challenge for a ball.

But a soccer goalkeeper must also train differently than other players due to his special role. Performing special soccer goalkeeper drills and using medicine type balls for practice will help improve your game and keep the goals off the sheet.

The G-Code Soccer Goalkeeper Training

Keys To The Position

There are some basic keys that will get a goalie started off on the right foot, no matter what level you play at.

Use your hands to form a "W" in front of you. Put your thumbs together and your index (first) finger together. Face your palms toward the shooter. Applying this technique when facing a shot head on will prevent the ball from slipping between your hands.
Let the ball meet your hands. Do not try to grab the balls as if you are trying to squash a mosquito between your hands.
Keep your body between you and the soccer goal.
When you catch the ball bring it tightly into your body and cradle it. Or of you end up on the ground, protect that ball as if it was gold. You do not want any chance that the ball may come loose or drop to the ground, because you are always very close to the goal if you can grab the ball.
Stay balanced. Mentally and physically.

Not Just For Defense

Although we have been talking about how this position is about stopping the ball, it doesn't end there. Soccer goalies can be the ones that start a build-up with a punt, or by throwing the ball to one of his players.

And how many times have you watched a game where the goalkeeper leaves his goal to move forward for a corner kick late in the game? They are goal scorers too! Traditionally keepers have made very good strikers as well. It is their independent attitude. I think? Or maybe because strikers and goalkeepers face each other often in a 1 vs 1 situation?

Leadership Role

Often when playing this position you can be made the captain of your team. After all, nobody sees more of the field than a goalkeeper. Besides, you are the boss in the 18 yard box, so do what the keeper says. If you don't, you could get hurt by your own goalie. Work out a communication with your keeper. If he calls the ball you should let him have it. He can see, you may not.

Return from Soccer Goalies to Soccer Gear Equipment Home

Soccer Gear Soccer Equipment Soccer Balls Soccer Cleats Soccer Jerseys Soccer Training Soccer Shoes

�Copyright 2008 Soccer-Gear-Equipment.com