Just Keepers

In the high-pressure world of goalkeeping, your split-second decisions can actually determine the outcome of every single match. For you, that can be pretty powerful. In some situations, it can mean a huge surge of confidence when you win. In others, though, it can mean real setbacks when it’s a missed save, a fumbled catch, or a mistimed clearance. Mistakes, though, are absolutely inevitable at some point in your career as a goalkeeper. After all, you’ve probably heard it said that the mark of a great goalkeeper isn’t in the absence of errors, but in your ability to bounce back stronger than ever after an error. How can you move past those mistakes on the pitch and emerge more resilient and focused than ever? This quick guide can help.

First, Accept Your Mistakes

One of the single best things you can do first is to acknowledge that you made the mistake. That isn’t to say that you should dwell on the error. Instead, consider it this way – even the best goalkeepers in the world have had lots of mistakes happen. Instead of succumbing to self-criticism, view mistakes as valuable lessons that contribute to your growth and development. While many believe acceptance is a sign of weakness, almost the opposite is true. The ability to accept the mistake is a demonstration of maturity and self-awareness. By acknowledging the occasional blunder, you’re empowering yourself to address your weaknesses, refine your skills, and emerge from each match more resilient and mentally fortified for the challenges that lie ahead. The path to goalkeeping excellence is paved with ups and downs, and the ability to accept mistakes is the only way to work toward success. By recognising those mistakes, you’re able to better take ownership of every single one of them. Once you do that, you can begin to focus on more positive actions after the mistake.

Once You Recognise the Mistake, Learn From It

Remember that every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. Once you know that you made a mistake, take a moment to delve into the intricacies and extract meaningful lessons. Dissect the play: Was it a positioning misjudgement? Did the ball take an unexpected trajectory? By scrutinising the specific circumstances surrounding the mistake, you’re going to find places where you can improve your technique, decision-making, and overall game awareness. It’s important to note here that learning from mistakes isn’t just the ability to identify what went wrong. Instead, it’s about understanding why it happened and how to prevent that same error in your next match. Embracing mistakes as instructive moments can help you build a continuous cycle of improvement, ensuring that every game is an opportunity to be better.

Build a Positive Mindset

Remember that being a goalkeeper is as much about mastering the mental aspects of the game as it is about mastering the physical aspects. Dwelling on your mistakes, though, is only going to wreck your mental game, creating a serious impact on your performance and confidence. Working to build a positive mindset, though, can help. There are lots of ways to do this. For some, it means visualisation. Visualisation is a powerful tool to create a positive mental image of success. It’s a fairly easy one to incorporate into your routine, too. Just picture yourself making crucial saves, commanding the penalty area, and contributing to the team’s success. Visualisation can boost confidence and create a sense of familiarity with successful outcomes. You can also work on your goals themselves. Establishing realistic and achievable short-term and long-term goals can help you keep your mindset, even in the face of mistakes. To make it work, you’ll want to break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, as  achieving these smaller milestones can contribute to a sense of accomplishment and help maintain a positive outlook. Some good goals might be increasing your number of saves, working on better communication with your defenders, becoming better at timing. Building your positive mindset may also mean replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Encourage yourself with statements like “I am a skilled goalkeeper,” “I am confident in my abilities,” or “I learn and grow from every experience.” Positive self-talk can boost confidence and contribute to a resilient mindset.

Be Present

It’s easy to get caught up in the “what-ifs” after a mistake. Instead, refocus your energy on the present moment. There are several ways to do just that. It starts when you establish pre-game rituals that help you transition into a focused and present state of mind. Whether it’s a specific warm-up routine, the visualisation exercises we talked about early, or something else entirely, consistent rituals can signal to your mind that it’s time to be fully engaged in the game. More than that, though, you’ll want to train your focus on the ball and the immediate play at hand. You must learn to avoid distractions and stay tuned in to the ball’s movement, the players’ positions, and the dynamics of the game. By directing your attention to the present action, you enhance your ability to react quickly and effectively. Remember that dwelling on the past can distract you from making vital contributions to the match. This presence of mind shouldn’t end when the game does, though. After the game, engage in reflective practices to learn from your experiences. Identify moments where you were fully present and moments where your focus wavered. Use these reflections to refine your mental approach and enhance your ability to be present in future matches.

Mistakes No More?

Every goalkeeper faces adversity on the pitch, but it’s the ability to overcome mistakes that defines greatness. By acknowledging, learning, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can turn setbacks into stepping stones for improvement. Remember, the journey to success is paved with challenges, and each mistake is a chance to grow and evolve as a goalkeeper. So, embrace the process, stay resilient, and keep making those game-changing saves!

Being a solid goalkeeper means that you have to have so much more than just skill. Instead, it means that you need the right tools at your disposal. From gloves engineered for unmatched grip to specialised attire that is designed for both agility and protection, the right gear will define you on the field this year. Whether you’re a seasoned keeper or new to the world of football, these accessories will help you take your game to the next level.

Accessory #1 – High Performance Gloves

This year, you’ll want to invest in a pair of top-notch gloves that offer a perfect balance of grip, durability, and flexibility. Look for models with advanced latex materials on the palms for superior ball control, and consider designs that cater to the specific conditions you often play in, such as all-weather gloves for versatile performance.

While there are lots of different gloves that are highly rated, in general, you’ll want to look for a pair that offer both grip and durability, no matter what the weather conditions. You’ll also likely want to choose a brand that offers lightweight design and provides you with a comfortable fit, so you get the flexibility you need during a match. It may take some experimentation to find the ideal pair for you, but once you do, you’ll quickly understand just how much they can enhance your performance.

If you’d like to keep those gloves looking amazing and working well, you’ll also want to add on specialised glove wash and care products. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your gloves can improve grip and durability, ensuring they perform at their best for a longer duration. Look for glove care kits that include cleaning solutions and glove wash bags.

Accessory #2 – A Better Baselayer

You likely have spent a lot of time thinking about your baselayer, but it’s more important than you realise. Great baselayers offer compression and support throughout the match. That means reduced muscle vibration during movements as well as improved stability, thus potentially reducing the risk of muscle fatigue and soreness. The supportive nature of baselayers can be particularly beneficial during dives, jumps, and quick lateral movements common in goalkeeping. More than that, though, some baselayers feature strategically placed padding on areas such as the hips, thighs, or elbows to provide an extra layer of protection during dives and slides, minimising the impact on the body. Be careful, though. In some instances, you may need to comply with league or competition regulations that require specific undergarments, so pay attention to those as you select the right baselayer.

Accessory #3 – The Right Training Equipment

One way to hone your skills is to elevate your training sessions with the right equipment this year. Not sure where to begin? Rebounders are an excellent start because they’re good for practicing reflexes, handling, and distribution. They bounce the ball back unpredictably, simulating real-game scenarios. Most importantly, you can use rebounders for solo training or incorporate them into drills with a coach or teammates. Reaction balls are a great choice, too. Reaction balls are designed to bounce unpredictably, requiring goalkeepers to react quickly and improve their reflexes. These balls are excellent for training hand-eye coordination, catching skills, and responsiveness to unexpected movements. You may also want to invest in agility ladders and cones. Agility training is crucial for goalkeepers to improve quick movements and footwork. Ladders and cones help develop agility, coordination, and speed. Incorporating ladder drills and cone exercises into training routines can enhance a goalkeeper’s ability to move rapidly and change direction efficiently.

There are lots of other choices, too. Plyometric boxes and resistance bands can amp up your time in the gym as you train for the next big match. Another great option is a mannequin to practice shot stopping and positioning as well as to allow you to simulate defensive scenarios during training drills, which will enhance your game.

Accessory #4 – Performance Tracking Technology

2024 is the year to embrace technology by incorporating performance-tracking wearables designed for goalkeepers like you. These devices can provide valuable insights into your movements, shot-stopping effectiveness, and overall fitness. There are lots of options in this market too. You could invest in video analysis apps, like cameras or smartphone apps, which can help you review your performance. Recording training sessions and matches with these allows you to analyse your movements, reconsider your decision-making during training sessions, and truly think about positioning, all of which can help in identifying areas for improvement. There are also many GPS trackers and wearable technology that provide valuable insights into your personal performance during training sessions and matches. These devices can track metrics such as distance covered, sprint speed, and heart rate, offering data for performance analysis and tailored training programs that you can build outside of matches.

We Have the Gear You Need This Year

This is the year to truly invest in your game, and at Just Keepers, we’re happy to help. With a variety of options designed specifically to help you do more in every training session and in every match, you’ll find the products you need to make 2024 your year on the pitch. Take a look at what we have that can enhance your season and build your game.

If you’re one of the many who guard the goal, you know that your hands are your most valuable assets. Whether you’re dealing with the sting of a powerful shot, the aggressiveness of a collision in the box, or the unpredictable bounce from a wet, muddy pitch, you know you face lots of challenges, and so many of them can seriously damage your hands. What can you do to keep them safe? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the gear you can use to both enhance your performance on the pitch and protect your hands at the same time.

What Hand Injuries are Common for Goalkeepers?

Before we explore what you can do to keep your hands safe, it may help to explore what injuries many goalkeepers face on the pitch. One of the most common hand injuries goalkeepers’ faces is finger sprains and finger fractures. There’s a good reason for that. The forceful impact of a fast-moving ball or a collision can result in the hyperextension or bending of fingers, leading to painful sprains or fractures. Thumb injuries are also often fairly common. Hyperextension and ligament damage is incredibly common among many goalkeepers. Some also have to deal with wrist strains. That’s because the wrists are crucial for distributing the ball and making those precise saves, and under the pressure of tough shots, they may get sprained. Finally, you may find that you face lots of contusions and abrasions, especially in wet or muddy conditions that means the ball erratically bounces in unpredictable ways.

What Gear Can Prevent These Common Hand Injuries?

Many different types of gear can prevent hand injuries. Naturally one of the biggest considerations here should be your gloves. You want gloves that fit well and protect your hands. Consider using a brand that includes finger protection technology like spines or rods along the backs of the fingers to help minimise any hyperextension events. Some are even removable, so you can select the level of support you get during any given match. You’ll also want a high-quality palm, like a latex palm, that can enhance your grip so you can catch the ball and hang on to it securely. Some gloves also include extra padding or other features that are specifically designed to protect your thumbs as you’re working to keep the ball out of the box.

To protect your wrist, you may want to choose gloves that have adjustable wrist straps, as those can give you extra support and stabilise your wrists while you’re playing. Some also come with extended closures that mean added coverage to your wrists.

You may not think about your baselayer in this mix, but you probably should. Adding a compression baselayer to your kit can actually support the muscles in your hands and arms. Compression garments are designed to provide graduated compression to specific muscle groups. This compression helps improve blood circulation and provides support to the muscles. That may mean enhances stability and reduces risk of strains.

Grip enhancers like GloveGlu may also prove incredibly helpful. They enhance the friction between your gloves and the ball. This improved grip gives you better control when catching, holding, or parrying the ball. With enhanced control, you’re less likely to mishandle the ball, reducing the risk of fumbles or drops that could lead to opposition opportunities and potential injuries. It’s important to note that the primary purpose of grip enhancers is to optimise performance rather than prevent injuries directly. However, by promoting better ball control, they indirectly contribute to your overall game proficiency and safety.

Can Additional Training Help Prevent Injuries Too?

Additional training can play a significant role in preventing goalkeeper hand injuries, too. You can incorporate specific training exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and technique, reducing the risk of common hand injuries. One thing you can do is specific exercises to strengthen your hand and fingers. That can help enhance their resilience. Grip exercises, resistance training, and finger exercises using hand grips or resistance bands can be beneficial. Adding wrist stability exercises may help as well. This may include wrist curls, wrist extensions, and stabilisation exercises. You may also want to work on refining your catching and parrying techniques. Emphasising proper hand positioning, catching with the fingers rather than palms, and practicing different types of saves can contribute to injury prevention. Focusing on reaction time may prove useful during training, too. Not sure how? Quick reactions are essential for goalkeepers, especially when dealing with fast-paced shots. Reaction time training exercises, such as rapid ball drills or exercises using reaction balls, can improve your ability to respond swiftly and protect their hands effectively. Moreover, enhanced agility and footwork can help goalkeepers position themselves more effectively, reducing the need for awkward hand movements. Agility drills, ladder exercises, and cone drills can improve a goalkeeper’s overall mobility, thus helping to protect your hands while you’re in a match situation.

Remember, too, that overall physical conditioning is vital for injury prevention when it comes to your hands or any other part of your body. You should incorporate fitness training to improve endurance, strength, and flexibility. A well-conditioned body is more resilient and less prone to injuries. Moreover, a thorough warm-up before training or a match and a proper cool-down afterward can prepare the muscles, joints, and specific spaces like your hands for activity and promote recovery, respectively. This can contribute to injury prevention by reducing the risk of strains and sprains.

Get The Gear You Need with Us

When you need the right goalkeeper accessories to protect your hands, let us help. Take a look at our complete selection of gloves and other kit add-ons to help ensure your hands remain protected throughout every training session and match. Your hands are your most valuable asset when you’re in the box. Be sure you use the right gear to help keep them safe every time you step out onto the pitch.

As keeper, you are the guardian of the goal, and the challenges you’re likely to face aren’t just going to come from the players around you, but from the pitch itself. At no point is this more true than when it becomes wet and muddy. There are few conditions that will test your skills quite as seriously as wet and muddy conditions. After all, they make slip-ups nearly inevitable, so it’s crucial to be sure you have the right accessories on the field not just to survive in those kinds of conditions, but to thrive as well. From the right boots to some of the best gloves in the business, we’ll help you see what will ensure you’re able to turn the tide and defend the net, even in the face of such a massive challenge.

Get Some Traction with the Right Boots

One of the first things you’ll want to do is select the right boots. Your normal boots aren’t ideal for wet and muddy conditions. Instead, soft ground football boots are a better choice. They’re equipped with longer and more widely spaced studs which makes them perfect for the pitch conditions you’re facing. Those studs work to penetrate the softer surface of wet and muddy pitches, and that, in turn, provides you with better traction. That can help you maintain your stability and grip in the box. The unique placement of the studs does something else for you, too. It helps to distribute your weight more evenly, reducing the risk of slipping or losing balance as the box gets increasingly slippery during the game. This is particularly important for those quick movements you’re required to make.

Your Glove Choice Matters Here

Your gloves always matter, but when it’s wet, you’ll want to select gloves that are specifically designed for wet conditions. Often keepers working in wet conditions opt for gloves with a latex palm because they tend to grip better when it’s wet. There are many glove choices that include enhanced grip technology that can help give you better ball control. There are many brands that are known to work well in wet conditions, and many pros have turned to this type of glove again and again. Don’t forget, too, that sizing will play a role. If your gloves are oversized, they’re going to get quite heavy as they get wetter and wetter, and that, too, may affect your ability to control the ball.

Add a Glove Towel to Your Kit

If it’s going to be wet or muddy, you’ll want to keep a small towel in your kit to wipe off the extra water and the mud that is certain to accumulate on your gloves during the match. The more mud on your gloves, the less likely you are to make those key saves. Many goalkeepers bring several towels with them during the wettest matches just to ensure they can control the ball.

Think About Your Baselayer

When it’s wet outside, it’s often also cold, and that can create real issues for you in the box. You want to select a baselayer that will provide a little additional insulation and help wick moisture away from your skin to help keep you drier and more comfortable throughout the match. You can’t perform at your best if you’re uncomfortable, and the wetter your kit, the more uncomfortable you’re likely to be.  

Use a Waterproof Rain Jacket During Warmups

During those pre-match warmups, there’s often no reason to get your kit wet if it’s still raining. Instead, use a waterproof jacket to help you stay dry before the match actually begins. That can help maintain your body warmth and ensure your kit stays clean and dry.

Bring Extra Gear

One of the best things you can do if you know you’ll be playing in wet or muddy conditions is to be sure you have more than enough gear to get you through the entire match. That may mean changing your baselayer, your jersey, and your gloves during half-time so that you can perform as well as possible during the second half of the match.

A Few Other Options

You have several other add-ons as well that you might want to consider. Grip enhancers can ensure you’re able to grab the ball and hold on tight even in the wettest conditions. A mud scraper may also help you keep the amount of mud on your boots down, thus giving you additional traction.

The Bottom Line

The gear you choose during a wet and muddy football match plays a pivotal role in your performance and comfort on the pitch. From specialised gloves to the right boots and baselayer, each piece of equipment serves a unique purpose in navigating the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions. The inclusion of a towel in the kit emerges as a practical necessity, aiding goalkeepers in maintaining a secure grip, visibility, and overall agility. Additionally, a thoughtfully selected baselayer proves instrumental in managing moisture, regulating temperature, and providing essential support. As you gear up for the unpredictable conditions of a wet and muddy match, the right equipment becomes more than just your kit – it becomes a strategic advantage that empowers you to make crucial saves and command the goal area with confidence. By investing in quality gear designed for such conditions, you can ensure you are well-prepared to face the elements and contribute to your team’s success on the field.

As you shop for the right gear in any conditions on the pitch, take a close look at what we have to offer. From some of the best training equipment to an excellent selection of the gloves you need no matter what the conditions on the pitch, we have you covered. Learn more when you take a look at what we have now.

The Warmest Goalkeeper Gloves on the Market – With temperatures plummeting, the goalkeeper position can often be the coldest on the pitch.

When your hands are cold it can be hard to focus on what is in front of you. As the last line of defence, the importance of keeping warm and remaining focused cannot be understated.

This is why we have decided to share with you two gloves that are currently on our radar to combat the current climate.

GG:LAB t:HERMO Fleece

The first glove that we are going to look at is GG:LAB’s t:HERMO Fleece Finger Protection model. Created specifically for winter goalkeeping, they aim to provide the best available warmth and comfort in cold/wet conditions.

What really sets this glove apart from others is the construction. Firstly, it features a fleece lining in the body which offers a level of warmth that is hard to match. If this wasn’t enough, it also utilises special wind resist technology to provide even better protection from the Winter elements.

The t:HERMO really takes every measure to make sure that your hands stay warm and ready for action. Take a look at the other key features below.

Cut: Flat Palm
Palm: gloveglu Original Palm Technology
Body: WIND:resist Technology + Fleece Lined
Strap: Elasticated Strap
Finger Protection: Lightweight Removable Finger & Thumb Protection Spines

HO Soccer Pro Curve Winter Fleece

Similar to GG:LAB’s t:HERMO, HO Soccer make use of a unique fleece body construction. This high quality, pro level glove is another must have for the Winter months.

Top levels of comfort and warmth is what this glove aims to provide, and we think it does a pretty good job! This is achieved by the use of a polar fleece material in the body as well as a more classic style flat cut, which only adds to its highly comfortable nature.

If flat cut isn’t your thing, we also have this Winter Fleece model available in a roll finger. Take a look at the main features of the glove below.

Cut: Flat Palm
Palm: 4mm Aqua Formula Latex
Body: Polar Fleece
Strap: Velcro Closure

Shop all the latest goalkeeper gloves from all the major brands, at Just Keepers. We offer the best range of goalkeeper gloves, goalkeeper clothing and goalkeeper essentials anywhere in the world.

All of our products are hand picked to offer you all the products you need all in one place. Remember, we are the original online goalkeeper specialists…

Just Keepers – The Number Ones Number One

So what is the David Raya cut?

Arsenal’s first choice goalkeeper has trusted The One Glove brand for some time now, from League One with Blackburn Rovers to Champions League with the Gunners.

As shown in the image below, the actual glove cut is branded the ‘Vortex Hybrid Cut’ by the guys at One Glove.

This is no normal flat cut though!

Negative stitching is used in this one to give a tighter feel in comparison to more traditional flats.

The outer fingers however, are much like an enhanced negative roll.

Used across their other popular models such as the Carbon, AM1 & Vision, this pre-curved style hugs and wraps around the finger tips.

So that is the David Raya cut!

It is often the case that you can’t get your hands on the exact glove cuts that the professionals use, but luckily it is not the case for this one…

We currently have 2 in line options available that offer the ‘Vortex Hybrid Cut’.

Take a closer look at them below!

ONE GEO 3.0 Amethyst

ONE APEX Pro Rift

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Shop all the latest goalkeeper gloves from all the major brands, at Just Keepers. We offer the best range of goalkeeper gloves, goalkeeper clothing and goalkeeper essentials anywhere in the world.

All of our products are hand picked to offer you all the products you need all in one place. Remember, we are the original online goalkeeper specialists…

Just Keepers – The Number Ones Number One

Inner Gloves are the Winter goalkeeping essential that you never knew you needed!

Cold hands is something that most goalkeepers have likely encountered, and can easily distract you from performing to the best of your abilities on the pitch.

Luckily we have a highly practical solution so that you can focus on keeping the ball out of the net.

Designed specifically to be worn underneath your goalkeeper gloves, these inners are here to change the game!

They will provide that vital extra layer of warmth to make sure your hands are fully prepared even in the coldest conditions.

You may be wondering how comfortable these inners will be, but there is no need to worry!

The cotton construction offers total wearing comfort, fitting snug to your hand, wrist & fingers.

It really is a zero distraction fit when wearing underneath your goalkeeper gloves!

Viroblock Inner Gloves

They are currently available on the Just Keepers website for only £7!

For a more detailed look at these unique inners, check out our TikTok video below.

@justkeepers

No more cold hands! 🥶🧤 #goalkeepers #goalkeepingtips #innergloves #goalkeepergloves #JustKeepers

♬ original sound – Just Keepers

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Shop all the latest goalkeeper gloves from all the major brands, at Just Keepers. We offer the best range of goalkeeper gloves, goalkeeper clothing and goalkeeper essentials anywhere in the world.

All of our products are hand picked to offer you all the products you need all in one place. Remember we are the original online goalkeeper specialists…

Just Keepers – The Number Ones Number One

When it comes to football rules, there’s often quite a bit of controversy, but few controversies have ignited quite the stir the six second rule has. This seemingly straightforward regulation, tucked away in the Laws of the Game, has become a source of bewilderment, frustration, and downright madness on the pitch. In a sport where every second counts and the pace can change in the blink of an eye, the six-second rule has taken on a life of its own, creating a level of craziness that even the most seasoned players find hard to comprehend. What is the six second rule? Does it even matter anymore? Why are people so angry about it? This post will try to unravel the controversy.

What is the Six Second Rule?

The six-second rule, also known as the six-second violation, is a that only really pertains to goalkeepers. According to the Laws of the Game, specifically Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct, a goalkeeper is allowed to hold the ball for a maximum of six seconds. The countdown begins the moment the goalkeeper establishes control of the ball, typically through a save, a catch, or any other means. Once the goalkeeper has possession, they must release the ball into play within the designated time frame. Failure to do so results in an indirect free-kick being awarded to the opposing team from the spot where the goalkeeper committed the violation.

Where Did the Six Second Rule Come From?

According to many fans, the 1990 World Cup won by West Germany when they defeated Argentina was a low point in the world of football. By 1992, a host of new rules were being introduced. In 1992, Law 12, Section 2 was introduced to help discourage goalkeepers from wasting time and possessing the ball for too long. It’s now called the back pass rule, and it forbids goalkeepers to handle the ball if it’s passed to them by a teammate.

The rule changes didn’t end there, though. In 1997, the rule got an addition – goalkeepers were banned from picking up throw-ins too. In 1998, the six second rule was introduced to make sure the goalkeeper didn’t hold onto the ball for longer than six seconds. This rule, like those that came before it, was designed to prevent time-wasting by goalkeepers and maintain the flow and pace of the game.

This actually wasn’t the first time that rules around goalkeepers were created. In the early ‘60s, the four-step rule was introduced. This rule allowed goalkeepers to take no more than four steps with the ball before they had to punt or throw it away. While there were lots of holes in this rule, the shift to the six second rule closed all of them.

Is the Six Second Rule Still Enforced?

The six-second rule is still a valid and enforceable rule in football. Referees are responsible for enforcing the six-second rule during matches, which means that while it can be enforced, it often isn’t. The rule was initially implemented to help with the pace of the game. If a given referee doesn’t think the pace of the game is suffering, often the rule isn’t enforced. Lots of games are played without enforcement of the rule, which is why this one rule leads to such confusion and anger.

Why Are People Still So Angry About This Rule?

Most of the anger around this rule comes from that inconsistent enforcement. Some referees are strict in adhering to the time limit, while others allow a more lenient approach. This lack of uniformity has led to confusion on the pitch and heated debates off it. You’ll find post after post on football forums surrounding the enforcement (or lack thereof) of this rule. One individual posted a rant on a thread about a Southampton match where the keeper had possession of the ball for 36 consecutive seconds. Another held that a Queens Park Rangers keeper never held the ball for less than 12 seconds at a time.

The lack of consistent enforcement, though, isn’t the only point of contention surrounding this rule. Another is the level of pressure it puts on goalkeepers themselves. The ticking clock can add immense pressure to keepers, forcing them to make hasty decisions that may not be in the best interest of their team. Striking the right balance between adhering to the rule and making sound decisions for the game’s sake becomes a delicate challenge with this rule in place.

Still another problem with this rule is that its easily exploited. Some teams use the ambiguity surrounding the rule, strategically disrupting the rhythm of their opponents. This has sparked many discussions about how to prevent unsportsmanlike conduct with this rule still in place.

What’s a Goalkeeper to Do?

With the six second rule still very much a potential player in a match, how can goalkeepers deal with the problems it creates? Start by honing your decision-making skills under pressure. Training scenarios that simulate game-like situations with a ticking clock can contribute to better on-field execution. Work with your trainers to come up with drills that put you under constant, timed pressure.

You’ll also want to maintain open lines of communication with referees during matches. Seeking clarification on the enforcement of the rule can help foster a better understanding and reduce the likelihood of contentious situations.

Finally, familiarise yourself with the specific nuances of the six-second rule as interpreted by referees in various competitions. Staying informed about any recent clarifications or updates can help in adapting to the evolving landscape.

Six Seconds Still Matter!

The six-second rule controversy remains a hot topic in UK football, and while it may not have a one-size-fits-all solution, goalkeepers can navigate it with a combination of knowledge, skill development, and effective communication. As the debate continues, staying adaptable and resilient on the pitch will be key for goalkeepers striving to excel in the face of this challenging rule.

Every shot that comes across the line is a challenge to be met for most goalkeepers. After all, you are the guardian of the net. Football is a game that redefines unpredictability, and for you, that means an extensive repertoire of skills and a solid focus on blocking each shot. What drills can you try to block shot after shot? This guide can help.

Drill #1 – Three is Wild

Your foundational skills as a goalkeeper are absolutely everything. Good footwork, quick changes in direction, and effective blocking matter. This drill works to strengthen all of those things. You’ll want to start by setting up three cones of different colours at least three metres from the front of your goal line. Have one other player on hand to make some shots. You should stand at the ready position, and your partner will yell out a specific colour. You run to that colour cone, then head back into position at the centre. As you head for ready position, your partner will take a shot at the goal, and you will try to block it. To make this harder, increase the pace by having the shooter take the shot before you’re back in position. Make sure your shooter takes a variety of kinds of shots, too, to help you learn to think and react more quickly.

Drill #2 – Keep it Moving

You’ll want the goalkeeper and at least five other players for this drill. The goal here is to focus on footwork and proper positioning as well as to sharpen your reaction skills in faceoff situations. You’ll need to use everything you have to anticipate the movements of the striker based on what you see and focus on the ball by following passes.

To get started, have all of the players spread out in the penalty zone. There should be a good supply of training balls behind them. The players should all pass the ball to each other. After three or four passes, have one player take a shot at the goal. As the goalkeeper, you should follow the ball consistently and try to make the save. As soon as the attempt is complete, the players should start over. This should go on for five to six cycles. The faster the players on the field move, the harder it is for you to keep their shots out of the goal.

Drill #3 – It Just Takes One

The goal here is work on directionality. Remember that during a match, a ball can change directions at any moment in time, and if you anticipate that change incorrectly, you’ll need to make a fast change to keep up with it. This drill can help you reposition correctly and change your own angles to prepare you to better adjust.

This drill starts with a single cone a metre ahead of the goal line and in line with the middle of the goal. Have one other player stand with a few footballs in the corner of the penalty area. You should run toward the cone as if it were a striker ready to attack. Then run around it and come back to the goal line just as the other player makes as shot toward the goal. The other player should continuously move to various positions so you can practice defending against incoming shots from every possible angle and incorporate both high and low shots.

What Are You Waiting For? Get Started!

 Remember, consistency is key, and the more you incorporate these drills into your training regimen, the more proficient you’ll become in thwarting shots from all angles. Embrace the challenges, learn from every session, and don’t shy away from pushing your boundaries. Take a look at our complete supply of training equipment to help you run through the right drills to enhance your training regimen.

Between the goal posts is a fairly solitary world. Every single save is your responsibility alone, which makes you the guardian for your team. One of the single best things you can do for yourself is to practice alone, helping you commit to true self-improvement. Without teammates or the structure of drills, it allows you to personally master and sharpen your skills that are often overlooked yet absolutely crucial to what you do on the pitch. What strategies and drills can you use to begin to grow on your own as a goalkeeper? Take a look at a few options.

Cone Dribbling

The goal here is to improve your footwork and agility. You can do this anywhere that you have plenty of space like your back garden or a green space in a park. You’ll want a series of cones set up in a straight line about a third of a metre from each other. Begin at one end of the line of cones. Using quick, precise footwork, navigate through the cones forward. Then, bring the ball back in the same manner. Your goal here is not only to improve on the time it takes you to get through the series of cones, but also to maintain your balance throughout the drill and stay as light on your feet as possible.

Wall Throws

One key to your job on the pitch is to handle the ball well and react quickly. This drill will help you achieve that. You’ll want a solid wall to throw against. The outside wall of your home might work well here. You’ll want to stand about five feet away from the wall with a ball in your hand. Throw the ball against the wall, then position yourself to catch the rebound. You want to focus particularly on catching with the fingers of both of your hands. Use as many varied heights and angles as you possibly can.

Target Passing

Better distribution gives your team a distinct advantage, and this drill will help make that possible. Using cones or other markers, set up targets in different areas. With a bag full of balls, practice accurately throwing and punting to hit each target consistently. As you work, though, be sure you’re varying the distance and the trajectory as much as possible. Remember that your goal is accuracy, so until you can hit each target consistently, don’t stop!

Adding a Partner Might Help!

While solo drills are a great way to work on your skills any time, adding a partner can be a serious help if you have someone willing to work with you. Having a training partner can help you replicate more realistic game scenarios because they can help you work on various shooting angles, distances, and the unpredictability of the ball, which makes every training a bit more like the real match. It also helps you learn to more effectively communicate with defenders and teammates. As you work with a teammate, you get an opportunity to practice vocal communication, organising the defence, and coordinating movements to deal with different situations. It also means more feedback. A training partner can provide instant feedback on the quality of shots, passes, or saves. That means you can make real-time adjustments to technique and positioning as you practice.

Practice Any Way You Can!

Whether you have a partner or not, the bottom line is to practice as much as you possibly can. When you begin working on your skills, remember to focus on quality rather than quantity during every drill. Pay attention to technique, and gradually increase the intensity and complexity as you become more comfortable with each skill. Additionally, regularly incorporating these drills into your training routine will contribute to continuous improvement and mastery of various goalkeeping facets. The key to the position is just to familiarise yourself with every aspect, and if that means working more on your own in the back garden, then do what you can to make that happen.