Secrets of Good Positioning
Great goalkeepers have the ability to make great saves appear easy. But that doesn’t happen by luck, or by
instinct. It’s knowledge that lets a goalie attract a ball like a magnet.
What’s the secret to that knowledge?
Good positioning, which is often only a matter of one or two inches in any direction. But how does the goalkeeper achieve that good positioning, which reduces shooting angles and makes the goal appear smaller than it really is?
First, the body and mind must be prepared to react. The body cannot be rooted to the ground. It needs to be in constant balance. The feet should be shoulder width apart, with the weight on the balls of the feet. The center of gravity is in a position of mobility. The palms of the hands are facing down, showing 90 degrees of flexion at the elbow joint. The head is steady, with the shoulders square to the ball.
The body is in motion, to overcome the effects of inertia. This allows for a pre-stretch movement just prior to the shot, which provides the muscles that move the levers of the body with a better physiological advantage. Concentration and total preparation are essential. Now that body and mind are in good starting positions, let’s get in between the goal sticks. Create an imaginary line from the ball to both posts. Take a central position (known as the ball line). This allows equal space to both sides. These lines form a triangle.
Now the keeper must read and anticipate the situation by being alert to his or her surroundings. The amount of angle that’s cut down depends on several considerations: distance and position of the ball, the speed at which the opponent is approaching the ball; the type of ball (bouncing, rolling or stationary), and the anticipated intention of the player with the ball.
The keeper must also keep in mind that angle play is three-dimensional. Left and right angles, with the near post coverage being the top priority, are important. But there is also a third angle; above the head. Certainly the keeper’s own stature is a factor to consider.
Effective positioning reduces the number of goals suffered, and gives the impression that only something very
special will beat this keeper. To develop this perception, the keeper must be a student of the game. When the keeper does concede a goal, he or she must rehash and analyze the goal. Constant self-evaluation results in few mistakes.
And the keeper must play the game often. Accumulation of these match experiences develops anticipation. Good positioning and recognizing dangerous situations will sharply reduce the number of scoring opportunities he or she faces.
Courtesy Dan Gaspar - Star Goalkeeping Academy.
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