ANGLES & POSITIONING

The best Goalkeepers make the difficult look easy.I am a great believer that footwork and positioning are key to successful goalkeeping.If done correctly, the goalkeeper only needs to save in a new mini goal which is considerably smaller than it’s real counterpart.

For us to be in the best position, we need to know a number of things.1) Position of our goal2) Position of the ball3) Position of defenders

NEAR POSTAs a rule, the goalkeeper will always be to blame if a goal goes in at the near post. - This is between the goalkeeper and the post nearest to the goal.

BALL LINEIn order to cover most of the goal, the goalkeeper should be in “Ball Line” This is an imaginary line between the ball and the middle of the goal.

Obviously, if the goalkeeper is just stood on the goal line, they leave much of the goal open. The key is to move towards the ball in the “ball line” enough for the near post to be covered. One way to know how far to come is to imagine an arc or semi circle that goes from each post to the 6yd box. Use this imaginary arc to stop and be set to save in a mini goal.

ANGLE OF SAVEThe mini goal does not necessarily have to be in line with the real goal line. Bodyweight must be forward of the mini goal, as if you save in the mini goal you will be saving in the big goal. Make sure that any parried saves are made well clear of the danger area in and around the penalty area.

GOING BEYOND THE ARCIf the shooter elects to drive forward with a heavy touch, the goalkeeper must go out our shot stopping mode to diving at feet mode, and be ready to narrow the angle in a stalking position or full collection

Leon  OthenEverton  America  CT(c)  860-­‐941-­‐0966(o)  203-­‐529-­‐3330(e)  lothen@evertonamericact.comwww.evertonamericact.com/