by D. Victor

Created on: May 15, 2009

There is a maxim that states that 'good is the enemy of great'. However, having a good goalkeeper is surely a great advantage. All great goalkeepers were once good. They had a range of mental, physical and technical attributes that later allowed them to go beyond 'good' goalkeeping. As arguably the most demanding specialist position on a soccer team, a goalkeeper relies on myriad skills.

1) Basic soccer skills

Although goalkeepers can use their hands, they may not always be willing and able to do so in a game situation. Passing the ball, heading the ball, punting the ball and good ball control are some basic soccer skills that a good goalkeeper finds necessary to have.

2) Ball handling

Goalkeepers' ball handling is the most obvious criteria for determining their worth. Catching, throwing, parrying and collecting the ball are the essential skills for this position. A good goalkeeper also knows when to use a particular catching technique in dealing with balls into the penalty area.

3) Positioning

A poor goalkeeper is regularly caught in bad positions- positions from which the ball cannot be saved. Good goalkeepers are not often caught making sprawling dives where the ball is far from them still or being beaten on their near post.

4) Quick reflexes

Split seconds can separate a great save from a goal. The proficient goalkeeper can produce fine 'reaction saves' every so often to bail out the defence. Quick reflexes are also helpful in stopping rebounds. Good reflexes turn goalkeepers into match savers.

5) Physical presence

Several goalkeepers are above six feet tall. However, physical presence is much more than height. Good shot-stoppers know how to make themselves large targets for attackers, stay on their feet for as long as possible and reduce the angles and options for attackers. Good goalkeepers even use their physical presence to stamp their authority on the minds of attackers.

6) Agility

Having a huge physical presence means little if agility is lacking. Good goalkeepers must be active and move quickly in goal. Anything can happen in soccer; even having to stop three consecutive shots is a possibility. Agility makes a goalkeeper above par.

7) Anticipation and Awareness

Proper distribution to begin an attack is the hallmark of a good goalie. Cognition of the positioning of attackers and the opponent's line of attack is always an advantage to good keepers. Good anticipation allows goaltenders to predict moves by attackers based on experience and body movements- without moving prematurely.

8) Judgement

Soccer is a 'thinking' game and the keeper's position exemplifies this. A good soccer goalie must judge when to dive, when to come off the line, when to contest a ball inside or outside the penalty area.

9) Command of the penalty area

A good goalkeeper is a real team player; marshalling the defence, helping the team to keep its shape and communicating with teammates to establish clear lines of responsibility.

10) Commitment

Good goalkeepers must remain mentally and physically committed throughout the game. They never give up and stay focused throughout, regardless of the game situation. At a micro level, goalkeepers often put themselves in danger to prevent goals.

A good soccer goalkeeper masters the basics of the craft, but has extra attributes and mental fortitude. Good goalkeeping does not require the flamboyance of Chilavert, Higuita or Barthez. However, a range of mental, physical and technical attributes is a pre-requisite. In a position where one is more often a goat than a hero; all of the attributes are required just to be considered good.

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