How to Be an All Star Goal Keeper

Co-authored by Walter Merino

Last Updated: August 1, 2025 Approved

The goal keeper is the last line of defense to prevent the other team from scoring. There are a few things that make an exceptional goal keeper, including awareness, proper form, and ability to move quickly. This article will help you train yourself to maximize these skills to become the best goal keeper you can be!

Things You Should Know

Stand on the balls of your feet with your knees bent and your body loose so you can react quickly.
Stay in communication with your teammates since you have a full view of the field. Take control and shout instructions when you need to.
Watch your opponents' feet, not their eyes, to figure out where they're kicking the ball ahead of time.

1

Position your body correctly

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Keep your eyes on the ball. This way you'll always be prepared for the shot. Never turn your back to the field.

2

Rely on the "W".

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Use this when catching higher balls and it will be much more effective. Always keep your hands over top of the ball when you catch it so that it falls down to your feet if you can't hold on to it. It's much better to have the ball loose at your feet than to have it loose going through your hands into the net.^{[1]
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3

Shout!

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This also helps when a teammate is not doing their job.^{[2]
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4

Stay loose.

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5

Position yourself appropriately

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This helps shorten the open areas for the other team to shoot into.^{[3]
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6

Stay balanced.

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When a shot is taken, while you're in the goal, always move so you are in front of the ball.

7

Be alert.

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Be ready to rush out at the ball if necessary. When you rush out make sure to be on your toes. When approaching an attacker, dive horizontally at his/her feet. Make sure to cover all the angles. Do not shy away from the ball.^{[4]
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8

Watch your opponents' feet, not their eyes.

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This can help you discern if you should be ready to make a save. ^{[5]
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9

Be prepared for corner kicks.

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Be ready to rush out and punch the ball out of the air.

Community Q&A

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Question

What do I do if there is a 2-on-1 situation?

Community Answer

Your best chance is to wait until the person who has the ball gets close and run towards him and pounce on the ball. If he passes the ball while you are charging him, it will probably be a bad pass because he is under pressure.

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How do I dive without getting hurt?

Joven_Mage

Community Answer

Make sure that you are wearing proper equipment, such as knee/elbow pads, and dive properly (on your side, not stomach). Sometimes it's going to hurt a little, it's a tough sport.

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What do I do if I don't have equipment?

Community Answer

It really depends on you. Lots of people don't have resources. Lots of footballers (soccer players) who are now top professionals did not have equipment, but they had resourcefulness. They made the best of what they had. If you're determined and creative enough you will find a way. Look into getting second-hand equipment or borrowing from a friend, for example.

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Tips

Punch the ball away if you can't catch it.

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You will also need willpower.

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Use the element of intimidation when rushing out.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Be careful when you come out for a ball. If you go to soon, then there is a chance that you will collide with your defender, resulting in an open shot if the attacker passes it.

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Warnings

Watch out for fake shots and misleading eyes

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Be prepared for injuries.

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Things You'll Need

A soccer team to be on. The one you're on will do nicely.
A soccer team to play against. The one you're playing against with the one you're on will do nicely.
A soccer field
Equipment: gloves, cleats, shinguards, padded shirt and shorts, mouthguard.