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

Things You'll Need:

• Balls
• Balls
• Sticks

1. Dress properly in goalie gear so that you won't get hurt (see "eHow to Equip Yourself for Field Hockey").

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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on 2/21/2006 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.

on 11/22/2005 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.

on 11/22/2005 if a ball is to come at you above the waistline stick out your left hand and make sure it hits your hand drops onto the floor and then kick it to a tight angle of the d where either no opponents are a skilled bunch of teammates are.

on 11/22/2005 Always keep your eye on the ball, make sure your in the centre of your goal and that you cover your angles when it is needed. When you need to dive make sure that you don't try to time your dive, throw yourself at the ball and make sure that you can get up quikly. When you stop it with your feet make sure that you can follow up the stop if it does'nt go far eg: 3-4 yards in front of you. If you make a mistake then don't let your confidence go down.

on 11/22/2005 OK this is what you really want to do...

1, Firstly stance: Feet shoulder width apart, weight slightly forward so your toes, knees and chin are in line.

2, Positioning: Step forward and give the attacker less space to shoot at. Also dont give them a wide space to shoot at.

3, Making saves: Just react...use your feet as much as possible. Contrary to the main tips bit dont use your stick to steal the ball.

4, Short Corners: If the person is going to shoot go down and use "logging". Lie on your side, stick out with pads on top of each other.

These should keep you right most of the time...any questions ask [e-mail]