Do you dream of becoming a successful goalkeeper?

As a goalkeeper, you act not only as the last line of defense for your team; your leadership and organizational skills also determine success.

Think of football as a game of chess. Everyone on the ground has an important part to play. However, as a goalie, you are the only player standing on the 18-yard box who can use their hands without invoking a whistle from the referee.

When your teammates look up to you, you need to have the cunning and proper decision making abilities to beat your opponents both physically and mentally with the right technicalities.

Along with having the desperation to save goals is required but it isn’t all that you need if you aspire to become a successful goalie. You need to have the knowledge of effective goalkeeping tips and tricks that will help you to develop proper game intelligence.

We bring to you 9 ways of becoming an amazing goalkeeper in football, which includes many potent goalkeeper tips and tricks to help you improve your game.

Check it out!

1: LEARN HOW TO GET THE FOOTBALL IN YOUR FAVOR

Remember that, as a goalkeeper, you can also initiate your team’s attack.

However, if you need to know how to become a good goalkeeper, you need to master the art of getting the ball quickly and accurately to your teammates.

You can do it in two ways – by kicking and throwing.

• Kicking: Goal kicks are quite effective to launch a successful attack for you team. Accuracy is important.  Measure the advantages to playing short or build from the back vs. playing it long.
• Consider drop kick if you need to cover a long distance to reach to your targeted teammate.
• Throwing: Consider throwing under arm by rolling out the ball speedily while you have defenders to run onto the ball and start the counterattack.
• If you have opportunities of developing a counterattack, release the ball as quickly as possible. Do not sacrifice your speed for accuracy.

2: BE AGGRESSIVE

Anticipating the movements of an attacking opponent is one of the greatest virtues of a successful goalie.

The aggression with defending in soccer comes when you are absolutely convinced about your position, your teammate’s formation and know when to charge your opponents.

Make your presence larger and more threatening to the attacking opponent. Run towards them when necessary and force them to narrow their shooting angle.

• Wait for the opponent to make the first move and seize the right opportunity to pounce on the ball.
• Carefully examine the body language of the opponents. Also, make eye contact to interpret where the opponent might place the ball. Stand on your toes during an attack which would help you to change your positions quickly.

3: LET YOUR HANDS FOLLOW WHAT YOUR EYES SEE

Focus on the ball. While the leg movements of the attacker are distracting for a goalie, remember that your job is to save the ball from going into the net.

Co-ordinated movements between the hands and eyes would help you analyze your opponents and save the ball just at the right time.

4: MASTER THE TECHNIQUE OF HANDLING CORNER KICKS

When the opposition is awarded a corner kick, you need to be extra careful while securing the goal area.

Determine your position first. Follow the flight/curve of the ball. Step closer if it is swinging in, and maintain a distance in case of an out-swinging ball.

• Defend yourself from the opponents with your knee outward while saving the ball. It is always better to catch the ball at its highest point. Or, simply punch the ball away with your fists.
• If the ball is too far, let one of your teammates take care of it.

5: TAKE COMPLETE CHARGE OF THE PENALTY AREA

As a goalie, you need to own this area of the field.  Good management of the penalty area requires good positioning and strategic game intelligence!

• As a goalkeeper, it is very important for you to take an athletic stance while you stay between the sticks. Athletic stance refers to a neutral position with flexible elbows, feet apart and hands in front to show readiness.
• Maintain your confidence and be assertive.

6: ENHANCE YOUR COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR TEAMMATES

As a goalkeeper, you have the advantage of watching the game from a better angle than your teammates.

You can keep a close track on the opponents and instruct your teammates accordingly. Be consistent and be confident.  Stay in touch with your teammates, especially your defenders.

Just talking is not going to work; motivate your team mates towards the desired outcome!

Here is how you can do it:

• Use short words rather than a sentence when you are on the ground to avoid miscommunication. For example, words like “mark”, “mine”, “leave” can convey the right message at the right time. Let your defenders know which opponents they should mark.

7: STAY READY FOR EVERY SITUATION

The only way of strengthening your position as a strong and successful goalie is to train both your body and mind to be ready for the unpredictable nature of the game.

Increase your mental alertness by performing cognitive exercises that help you develop a positive mindset. For example, you can visualize playing a game in different conflicting situations and learn from your moves.

You might have a bad day at office. Don’t get your morale down. Even the best goalkeepers in the world commit mistakes. It is a matter of how quickly can you atone for any mishaps and make the next save.

8: FAILURE DOES NOT MEAN THE END OF THE GAME

Even with high alertness and skillful playing, goals get scored!

However, successful goalies do not let any downside of the game affect themselves.

You must play the game until the end with the same spirit and hunger for victory, no matter what!  Your teammates feed off of your energy and passion.

It is not easy to cope with failures in soccer. Find here some of the tactics that you can apply in such situations:

• Try your best to accept the mistake and move on.
• When opponents score a goal, try doing some physical activities which will shift your attention from it. For example, start jogging and move between the sticks with very controlled breathing and skipping.
• Tell yourself that you are still in the game and encourage your teammates not to give up!

9: HAVE FUN AND DON’T GIVE UP

As a goalkeeper, you play a vital position.  Assume your role within the team with great enthusiasm, good sportsmanship and leadership!

Find some of the very essential tips and tricks of how to become a good goalkeeper:

• Stay in great shape – similar to the field players, fitness and stamina is key.Let your opponent know that you are ready with slightly bent knees and light feet. Stay mentally connected to your teammates with constant communication and positive encouragement. Always stay behind the ball. And, most importantly, never quit!

 

Great 10 minute video about the evolution and psychology of the Goalkeeping position