Soccer’s Hidden Gem: Eliminating Goal-Scoring Chances
The goalkeeping ‘highlights’ on your favorite soccer channel are few and far between. The TV producers think everyone wants to see goals, so that’s what we see. Goals from point-blank range, goals off a corner kick and goals from a free kick. It’s no wonder Americans don’t understand the nuance of building an attack through the midfield or finding a weak spot in the opponent’s defensive scheme.

It would thrill me to see footage of goalkeepers cutting down on goal-scoring chances or setting up their team for an attack with keen, accurate, and advantageous distribution.
Here are just a few examples of goalkeeping skills that are crucial, but don’t get the scrutiny they deserve. Budding goalkeepers: pay close attention to these helpful hints.
1. Cutting down a dangerous cross: Deciding to come off the line to snatch a bending, curving cross is one of the most difficult goalkeeping maneuvers. You have just a split-second to judge whether or not you can reach the ball. And if you reach the ball should you: catch, punch or deflect the ball? A perilous cross, if left unchallenged, could be volleyed or headed past you for a goal. Come off your line with enthusiasm and win the ball. Everyone on or near the field should hear you confidently announce, “Keeper!!” Strong, demonstrative communication will strengthen your teammates resolve and instill doubt and indecision in the minds of your opponent.
2. Playing the ball with your feet: If a defender plays the ball back to you with his feet, you must play it with your feet. This is a rule that trips up many youth players. Goalkeepers have a great vantage point from the back of the field, seeing everything is a huge advantage. Your ability to collect the ball, survey your options and make a smart pass to keep possession is a huge bonus.
3. Start the attack with wise, decisive distribution: It will never been shown much in the Premier League highlights, but you can’t overlook the importance of smart distribution. With the ball in the keeper’s hand, your team has possession — and you should do everything in your power to keep it that way. A quick roll to an open defender could lead to a shrewd midfield combination, and a long ball to a speedy and unmarked forward. With a precise finish, your forward finds the back of your opponent’s net. How did the goal begin? Through your simple, easy roll to an open defender. Great things start in small places.
The saves get all the publicity, but don’t forget these often-ignored tips and techniques. If followed, they can help make you an excellent goalkeeper.
Always Goalie Ready,
Dan Naden
