WRITTEN BY: @StamfordWayzCFC
Goalkeeper is arguably the toughest position to play in football.You’re throwing your body in the way of flying balls but it helps your team get the win.Here’s some tips for goalkeepers especially younger ones on how to be the “New De Gea” or “New Jan Oblak”.
STEP 1:CATCHING.This is a foundation skill for goalkeepers.Some people may think catching a ball is easy but some people might think it’s hard,however there’s many techniques that make catching a ball a whole lot easier.Let’s start with the “W” / “Arrow” technique.
Firstly you should use this catching technique when ball is around chest height,firstly let’s talk about set position.You should be bouncing on your toes with your knees slightly bent & shoulder width apart,while your arms are above your hips.Secondly your body should always lean towards the ball.You don’t want all your weight to be on your heels or which means you could end up stumbling backwards into the goals.Don’t forget to always attack the ball as if it’s a header.
Now the technique itself you want your thumbs to be in & around the centre of the ball & almost touching of each other,while the palm should be well above the centre spot.Attack the ball with your arms & slightly bend the elbows & try not to catch the ball near your chest.
To Practice this drill throw/kick a ball of a wall & keep doing this catch several times & if you think your ready get a mate to kick a ball out of their hands and you try to catch it.
Second technique.”The Scoop”.This technique you would use if the ball is below your hip area.
Firstly let’s start off with set position you want to be on your toes & when the shot is/about to be taken split your legs apart like this.
That’s how he started (picture above).
That’s how he finished when splitting the legs (picture above).The split gives the advantage of heightening our upper body.Step towards the direction of the ball with you closest foot & keep the further foot planted where it is when catching it.The other set position is dropping your further knee to the ground to keep the gap between your legs closed you can do that as well but this way I find it easier.
Now when going to catch/scoop the ball your chest must be moving/attacking towards the ball & must end by being directly over the ball.
Now to scoop the ball let your arms drop below the ball & then lift your arms/hands back into your chest to keep hold of the ball.However yo must not let the ball slip through past your elbows,so minimize the distance/gap between both elbows which also helps to have both your hands in the right position.
So that is how you catch a football I hope you enjoyed the read there will be more posts soon on how to be a goalkeeper & more football related posts!
ffv-football 