Dealing with the
Hands of Stone

Last update 03/26/07

      If you're dealing with a keeper who has serious problems catching the ball - he always gives up a rebound - look at his ready position. You'll probably find that he keeps his hands very close to his body his fingers are pointed up and his wrists and elbows are locked. Fingers are probably straight and even with or behind heel of hand. When he tries to catch the ball, the first thing the ball contacts is the palm or heel of the hand.
       It's impossible to catch a ball that makes contact with the heel or palm first - especially if the ball has any pace on it. Also because the wrists and elbows are locked, it is impossible for the keeper to absorb the shock of the shot. So the ball rebounds from the keeper back into play. (Another disadvantage of this ready position is that it's passive. The keeper doesn't look like he's attacking the ball.)

      The cure is relatively simple and starts with the ready position. Have the keeper extend his arms slightly and relax the wrists and elbows. This more or less automatically curves the fingers and unlocks the wrists and elbows. Now the first thing the ball hits is the fingers. This takes pace off the ball and provides control. Because the wrists and elbows are unlocked and because the arms are slightly extended, the keeper can absorb the shock of the shot. (Also is this ready position the keeper is starting the attack the ball an essential for good goal keepers.)

Use the one handed catching drill  to help your keeper develop softer hands.

Copyright 1996-2002 ©Les Sparks

Les Sparks had the Goalkeeper's Corner website for the Carolina United Soccer Club from 1996 - 2002. 

Created: 12/20/99
Last Updated: 03/26/07

Since February 24, 1999
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  Web Administrator    Ken Gamble