How to Keep Goal in Field Hockey
Perhaps the most important position in field hockey is that of the goalkeeper. Sometimes she is the only thing between the ball and the goal. Being in the direct line of fire necessitates more equipment and protection than other positions in field hockey.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Dress properly in goalie gear so that you won't get hurt (see "eHow to Equip Yourself for Field Hockey").
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2
Maintain a good, ready stance in front of the goal: keep your feet together, knees bent, head up, and weight on the balls of your feet so you can easily change direction. Keep your left hand open and your right hand on your stick.
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3
Be careful with your foot placement when you move back and forth in front of the cage so that the ball won't enter the goal through your legs. Move one leg to the side with a short step and follow quickly with the other. Keep your body facing the field and your attackers so you don't turn your back on the action.
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4
Stand two to three yards out from the goal when you're meeting an attacker. This closes the angle of attack. Sometimes from here, the goalie can actually interfere with the shooter's line of vision to the goal. By standing out from the goal a little bit, the goalie increases the area of shots she can defend.
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5
Remember that your lower legs and feet will block most shots. To do this, bring your legs together in front of the ball. Let the ball drop in front of you and kick it out of the goal area. Try to kick it to the side of the field so your opponents don't get another shot.
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6
Use your stick to steal loose balls from attackers and then pass them to one of your teammates. Use your hand to stop shots above your waist and get the ball to your feet so you can clear it out of the goal area.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Follow the trajectory of the ball, not the movements of the players. This will help prevent you from getting faked out by opponents coming in to score.
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Comments
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Natalie Lunar Mahoney
Mar 01, 2011
i am a goalie for a university team im on the 2nd team and were not that good weve lost 15 - 0 in one game and we have 2 games left and have yet to score, i try and take on other peoples advice but dont get the tuition i need to become a better goalie all the training exercise are team mates passing to certain people at certain cones then shooting at some practices i am left to wander around the field for the entire hour i was wondering where i can get goalkeeping lessons from in or around stoke staffordshire please help -
Allyson Loretz
Jan 21, 2011
I have college tryouts in 2 weeks. I've never played FH before, except in a tournament. I am a soccer and lacrosse goalie. Can anyone help me out?
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Feb 21, 2006
Always tell your players who to mark when they are taking a long corner or free hit. Should the opposition shoot a cross in, you must intercept the pass. Otherwise it is highly likely they will deflect the ball in. Never be afraid to slide or rush the opposition. I have saved a lot of goals using that technique. Most importantly of all, know where your posts are. You can use the p-spot to co-ordinate yourself.
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Feb 21, 2006
Always tell your players who to mark when they are taking a long corner or free hit. Should the opposition shoot a cross in, you must intercept the pass. Otherwise it is highly likely they will deflect the ball in. Never be afraid to slide or rush the opposition. I have saved a lot of goals using that technique. Most importantly of all, know where your posts are. You can use the p-spot to co-ordinate yourself.
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Nov 22, 2005
Experience is the only way to create an awesome goalkeeper! It doesn't mean that you have to have played longer, it means you have to understand more, and been put in numerous situations. You need to learn how to react, and be sure never to let your confidence fall. You must always remember that as a goalie, you are the first line of offense, and the last line of defense. And with such an important role, you have control over the field. You see everything, things even coaches don't see. Be sure to communicate with your team. Communication could be the deciding factor in a game. Whether it's a win or a loss, you most always be able to say you did your best.
