As promised, I'll try and write some tips into the blog. Quick and easy ones to start with mainly given I write more in-depth articles on other sites and don't want to simply repeat myself all the time! The title sounds pretty poetic really with the rhyming scheme, weirdly! Guess that what happens after you've studied creative writing and poetry at university, becomes robotic!!
Anyway, one important thing when dealing with consecutive shots after a save, is the need to 'stay in the play'. Whilst you will need to rush across sprinting like anything if you are now out of position after the initial save when challenging to stop, you want to be 'square' to the shot as they say. Try and get across to cover and stay in the play! Don't quit on it and keep going! Any coach wants to see their players never quit and making the effort is better than none at all!
But, there is also an extra side to this. The clip below is a great example of this! As you can see at 0:13 USA's goalkeeper Tom Sheridan doesn't give up in the play, scrambling and clawing his way across with all his will. He is also pushing across horizontally so that he is covering the open space of the goal (so reducing shooting space of the 'open goal'!). This also cuts the movement time as he rushes across versus trying to attack the shot wherein he would be moving out off the line to cut the angle. Then he manages to dive rightly to block. An amazing save! And he then gets back up to cover the next possible shot on goal.
So, whenever dealing with secondary or more chances, make sure you are in front of the ball, behind the shot, as you move. This way you are getting behind the shot and covering more of goal for the save. Better than getting out of place or turning away, in the first place!!
Showing posts with label Goalie tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goalie tips. Show all posts
Saturday, 4 May 2013
Friday, 22 March 2013
Alternate TK strapping set-up
Interesting (or maybe not!) equipment related sighting of a different approach to strapping for TK pads. Some goalkeepers mention they're not fond of the TK system, especially with the number of straps on the Soft range but I found the 'normal' gx1 pads to be good fitting and to have a suitable strength when strapping. Have seen a new approach with goalkeepers taking the strap out and extending it around the face of the pad rather than through the holes to get extra tightness and tensile approach to the strapping to get them held tight against the leg, as seen here with Isca's starter:
On closer inspection, you can see the straps are Obo. A lot of goalkeepers do swear by the Obo straps and some goalies switch them for the TK straps for a tighter fit as mentioned.
On closer inspection, you can see the straps are Obo. A lot of goalkeepers do swear by the Obo straps and some goalies switch them for the TK straps for a tighter fit as mentioned.
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
The importance of scrambling
Whilst making the first save and being set in position and with good angle works is cornerstone for goalkeeping, it is important that the goalkeeper does not forget to throw away orthodoxy to get the job done and do whatever it takes to stop the ball. If the goalkeeper is faced with a close-in rebound that is difficult to stop, then scrambling around like a madman is not to be frowned upon. Doing whatever it takes and never quitting or giving up the ball is more apart than looking good. Scrambling shows a goalkeeper's competitiveness and desire to stop the shot no matter what.
The following clip at the short corner shows 'Quico' Cortes (red TK pads) doing just that, even if he is scored on eventually:
The following clip at the short corner shows 'Quico' Cortes (red TK pads) doing just that, even if he is scored on eventually:
Friday, 30 November 2012
Thoughts on the no arm pad debate
To wear arm pads or not to wear arm pads, that's one of many questions goalkeepers consider as they look up to the styles of the world's elite. The style is popular in Holland where they coach a more pro-active style and reactionary, patient game where concentration is key. The style of padding down has moved overseas with goalkeepers in the UK now forgoing arm protection, like David Kettle and Tommy Alexander to name a few. It's also popular 'down south', in Australia and Malaysia. But the crux of the matter is whether it suits your style of play.
There is obviously the danger of youngsters thinking it's cool or macho and so on, but if you're not confident with your reaction speeds and your glove saves, then you probably shouldn't forgo protection. It requires a change in technique, especially if you intend 'putting your body on the line' occasionally. I think the only time having extra fluid movement with the arms is at drag flicks where the goalkeeper wants to react to the flight of the ball and move in to block with the glove. The extra motion of movement at the elbow also helps with redirecting the ball by turning the glove, such as the rhp also, when making the save.
Another point of note is that you can still 'pad up' during training! With more chance of getting hit with balls pelted at you from all directions in different training exercises, there's more likelihood of damage. You can make use of removable arm guards, like Obo's to switch up between games and training. At the top, where you will see more goalkeepers not wearing arm pads, there is less likelihood of blocking in a 'log' and drag flicks are more prominent on short corners, as well as players being more accurate with their shots, hence it worth taking the risk.
For me, I think it depends on how you play. If you're going to slide around and go down to block more often, then you want extra padding in case you get hit in the arm. If you stay on your feet a lot more and are patient and make more saves upright with your hands, then it makes sense. If not, then not!
There is obviously the danger of youngsters thinking it's cool or macho and so on, but if you're not confident with your reaction speeds and your glove saves, then you probably shouldn't forgo protection. It requires a change in technique, especially if you intend 'putting your body on the line' occasionally. I think the only time having extra fluid movement with the arms is at drag flicks where the goalkeeper wants to react to the flight of the ball and move in to block with the glove. The extra motion of movement at the elbow also helps with redirecting the ball by turning the glove, such as the rhp also, when making the save.
Another point of note is that you can still 'pad up' during training! With more chance of getting hit with balls pelted at you from all directions in different training exercises, there's more likelihood of damage. You can make use of removable arm guards, like Obo's to switch up between games and training. At the top, where you will see more goalkeepers not wearing arm pads, there is less likelihood of blocking in a 'log' and drag flicks are more prominent on short corners, as well as players being more accurate with their shots, hence it worth taking the risk.
For me, I think it depends on how you play. If you're going to slide around and go down to block more often, then you want extra padding in case you get hit in the arm. If you stay on your feet a lot more and are patient and make more saves upright with your hands, then it makes sense. If not, then not!
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