GK HANDLING
Although shot stopping does not require superior handling technique, the bulk of the game in which a goalkeeper will be handling the ball will require mastered technique. Good technique will not only make saving shots a much easier task, it will make the goalkeeper look a lot more composed and comfortable when being called upon in goal. It may be worth taking in to consideration this fact when considering trials with pro clubs. A manager or coach will like to see, as would a defender, a comfortable keeper whom they can trust with the ball.
There are five handling techniques considered in this section which if mastered correctly will, as a whole, help to make you look comfortable. However it cannot be stressed enough how important it is to constantly practise these techniques. 'Concentrate on the simple saves, and the great saves will look after themselves'.
The 'W'
The 'W' technique is perhaps the most commonly known handling technique amongst young keepers. It should be used for any ball that is coming at any point above the shoulders. You can find the 'W' technique by extending your arms out in front of your head, spreading your fingers and joining the tips of both thumbs together. By using this technique, the surface area that will be behind the football will in theory be maximised and there will be less chance of the ball slipping through those hands.
The 'Cushioned W'
This technique is in effect a variation of the 'W'. It is used mainly by goalkeepers who are of a more competent level and who feel comfortable with their ability to carry out the correct movement. The technique is needed if the ball is travelling too hard to risk catching but too slow to perhaps parry. For this cushioning technique, again the hands will be in the 'W' position. Timing and co-ordination is needed so that as the ball is just hitting the palms of the gloves, the palms can be drawn back slightly and the tips of the fingers should be pulled downwards from the upper part of the ball. This palm movement will cushion the speed of the ball and the finger movement will direct the ball down to the ground. Now the ball can be caught as it bounces up again with the bucket technique. (see below)
The 'Bucket'
The 'Bucket' technique should be used for any shot coming between the upper thighs and the lower part of the shoulder. The benefit of using the bucket technique is that there is the goalkeepers body behind the ball so it should not go through into the goal. Again this technique requires good timing and co-ordination. To find the bucket position you need to extend your arms out in front of you with the palms of your hands facing up. Create a reverse 'W' by placing the tips of both little fingers together and then pull your palms toward you chest. It is important that this whole movement obviously happens as the ball is about to hit the chest, trapping it in the 'Bucket' safely. An important point to remember is that the elbows must be pulled as close together as feels comfortable so that the ball doesn't fall through the gap once smothered.
The 'Long Barrier'
The long barrier, which is also used in cricket, should be used for any shot that is travelling at the keeper anywhere below the lower thigh. This technique will mainly be used if the ball is travelling at speed or if it is going to bounce just in front of the goalkeepers feet. Again, using this technique means that the body will be behind the ball and there is less chance of the ball squeezing through. To find the correct position, place one knee on the flloor with both feet facing forward. Now, using a reverse 'W' place your hands in front of your knee (the one on the ground) with your fingertips pointing to the floor. Finally, keeping your body facing forwards, twist your lower body so your legs are at roughly 40? difference to their starting position. Your knee should now be meeting the heel of your standing leg. As the ball comes to your hands, you need to carry out the 'bucket' technique to catch the ball. To make the save more safe and look more comfortable, finish it off by falling forward with your head over the smothered ball. By doing this there is no way that the ball will fall out.
The 'K'
The 'K' is a variation of the long barrier and can be used if the ball is travelling at a slower pace towards your lower legs or if you wish to counter attack quickly. Unlike the long barrier the knee does not need to go to the floor. Start off with both feet facing forwards with a approx 15cm gap between your feet. Now bend the knees slightly and turn your feet (keeping your body facing forwards) so that they are facing to one of your sides. You should now see a 'K' shape made from your knee which meets the back of your other knee. From here, using a reverse 'W' the bucket technique should be used to gather the ball in to your chest. The advantage of using this technique is that you do not need to get up after making the save. You are already standing so potentially you can counter attack immediately and distribute the ball early.
