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The "Set" position

This enables all goalkeepers to have the chance to make the best save possible.

• Feet - Should be shoulder width apart. Pointing forwards. You should have all your foot on the floor.
• Legs - Slightly bent.
• Bodyweight - Forward.
• Hands - In front. Together and relaxed.
• Head - Still and screwed in to your body.

The important thing in being set is that you feel comfortable. Other coaches may preach a different stance. As a goalkeeper, when different coaches preach something new, ask "Why does that benefit me as a keeper?" If what they say makes sense, try it and see how you do.

The near post.

The size of the goal can sometimes be quite daunting. However, if as a goalkeeper your angles are correct, you will hardly have to save in a goal any bigger than 4yds across. When saving at an angle, it is important that you have the near post covered. It is seen as the goalkeepers mistake if a ball goes in on the near post. The near post is the post nearest to where the ball is.

Near post goals are the goalkeepers fault.

Gliding

If your hands are your first barrier, your body should be your second barrier, so if the ball slips through your hands you have something in the way to block the goal. To do this you need to glide or shuffle across the goal. Ensure you are always facing the field of play and that your head is not bobbing up and down as this can ditract from seeing the ball.