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How to be a goalkeeper?

I'm trying out for my school's JV/Vars soccer team this year. I'm not the biggest, fastest, strongest, or hardest working; but i will work to make it onto the team. Since the field players' skill level is greatly above my level, and there are so many trying out, I've decided to tryout fro keeper. I have some experience, having played in youth divisions and going to a few camps but at a higher level i'm not sure how i will stack up. I'm not big, but i am relative quick, and if need be, 'fearless.' However, with people shooting really hard, i feel slow while makeing diving saves, and most shots that arent right at me I will end up hitting away (. not catching) I know basic technique , but i want to know what the coaches would look for in a keeper; things that I could work on in order to stand out a bit.
also any drills to help my distribution? goal kicks, punting, throwing, rolling, etc.
my punts and goal kicks are terrible!

Public Comments

1. Oh yeah, definitely high school sports are aggressive. From what you wrote, you need to work HARD. You need to be fast strong, and hard working. Work on your legs, strong legs is what makes a keeper a great diver. Don't build to much muscle on your arms, as that would slow down your ability to stretch properly. Here's a drill I often use for my keeper drills (I'm a keeper as well), get a ball any size, lay down in a sit-up position, when your on the floor, throw the ball in the air, not to high, then do a sit-up and catch the ball, and go back down and repeat until you feel as though your going to pop. This will help with your abs, ab muscles are required for taking big shots to the stomach and durability, this will also help with your arm stretching.

This might help with your punting. When you have the ball and your team is set for a goal punt, take a couple of steps, and kick the ball with the shoe pointed forward and hard. I have problems as well with goal kicks, so I'm unable to help you there.

2. Well its a challenge trying to get better so late but try looking at these.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzYkeMFVqtQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdOBym462x0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XqN_4EIDK8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_ditLLBhx0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YALS1fERPlQ

Go to youtube.com and search Soccer Goalie Tips.

but basically, the best thing to do is practice, if you know soccer players ask them to have target practice or a mini game. For goalies there is alot of pressure because you miss the ball and that can effect the whole game. Feel confident in your skills and get ready to improve. there isnt alot you can do but practice. PRACTICE, HARD WORK, and CONFIDENCE will make you perfect. good luck!