DEALING WITH PK’S a Keeper’s Perspective by Simon Robinson, ODP Goalkeeper Director
W
hen discussing penalty kicks with keepers, I find it very interesting to hear how everyone has a different way to try to deal with them. Some say, “watch the kickers hips”, others say “watch which way their plant foot is facing”, then there are those who say, “Watch their eyes just before they kick it.” Personally, when I talk penalty kicks with keepers and try to offer my opinion on how best to deal with them, I discuss the technique I used when I played and had a lot of success with.I tried to keep it simple when facing PK’s, and just reacted to the ball once it was kicked, just like any other shot. When I explain to keepers my technique, I ask them, “Would you just guess to try and save with any other shot?”. Guessing which way to dive before the kick is taken, in my opinion, gives you a very slim chance of making the save. Reacting to the shot and moving/diving to save the ball gives you a better chance of making the save. As a keeper, I would save approximately 3 out of every 4 PK’s I faced using this method.
Keepers tell me that they feel lots of pressure when facing PK’s. I try to remind them that the pressure is more on the striker, as they are really expected to score. A full-size goal is 192 Sq/Ft and the striker is 12 yards out, so they ‘should’ score. I tell keepers to relax, react to the shot, and commit to the save in the direction the ball is going. Well taken PK’s stand more of a chance of being scored. However, if a kick is not hit with precision and accuracy and you have reacted to the shot, you will more than likely make the save. Have you ever seen a PK where the ball is not struck well, and the keeper has already guessed and dove the other way? Imagine if that keeper had waited and reacted to the actual shot, it would have been saved. I ask you as keepers to experiment and practice your own techniques, but I do also ask that you try the technique I have just explained. I feel you will benefit from it!
REMEMBER... • Relax (the pressure is not on you) • React (a PK is just a shot after all) • Step in the Save (just like every other save)
• Catch or Parry the Ball • Enjoy the PK Save!! 22
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer
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