| The Head
The Head should be rock steady so that the eyes are on the ball
at all times. At no point should the Keeper turn his head away when making
a save. It is crucial to take the ball in front of the eye-line so that it
can always be seen.
The Feet
Good footwork can make a difficult save look easy. Diving often
involves a risk because for some time there is no barrier behind the hands. Moving
quickly into line with the ball, so that some part of your body is behind
the hands, will ensure that there is double cover
When preparing to receive a shot the legs should be shoulder
width apart, the knees slightly bent and your weight should be on the balls
of your feet. This is the "Ready" or "Set" position. If the legs are too wide
apart, it is difficult to achieve good spring and of course the ball might
pass through them.
When Scooping up a ground shot, the legs should move to less
than a ball's width apart. Whenever possible body weight should be tipping
forwards so that if the ball is mishandled a second save can be made almost
immediately. If the ball is half saved and the Keeper falls backward, it takes
longer to recover and by that time it is usually too late.
The Hands
The Keeper lives or dies on the strength of his handling. Good
handling is the equivalent of the outside players "touch". So the Keeper must
constantly strive to protect thia all important skill. Frequent polishing
of handling skills in training will enhance the Keepers self esteem and result
in him approaching the next match in a positive frame of mind.
There are four basic hand shapes when catching the ball.
- The Scoop. Both hands behind the ball for ground shots at the Keeper.
- The Cup. Trapping the ball into the mid-drift for the waist height
shots straight at the Keeper.
- "W" the Shock Absorber. Fingers and thumbs spread to the side and behind
the ball forming a 'W' shape. For shots at upper chest height and above. The
forearms should be uses as shock absorbers to take the pace off the ball.
- Hands Leading. First hand behind the ball and second hand on top for
those ground shots away from the Keeper. Look for soft landings where the
impact of hitting the ground is absorbed by the shoulder and side.
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