Soccer Tips for Goalkeepers: Saving Penalty Kicks

Soccer Tips for Goalkeepers: Saving Penalty Kicks • SCOTT GELBARD

Soccer Tips for Goalkeepers: Saving Penalty Kicks

Over the course of his career in consulting and investments, Scott Gelbard has helped a variety of businesses to get off the ground and increase their revenue. In particular, he has found considerable success with lead generation firm GlobalLeadGen, which he has consulted for since 2010. Aside from his consulting engagements, Scott Gelbard enjoys playing and coaching soccer.

For soccer goalkeepers, saving a penalty kick may represent one of the most daunting tasks in the entire game. Below are tips to help goalkeepers improve their shot-stopping abilities during penalty kicks.

Soccer Tips for Goalkeepers: Saving Penalty Kicks

Notice the shooter’s angle of approach: If a right-footed shooter lines up wide to his left, it will be difficult for him to twist his body and shoot left. If, on the other hand, a right-footed shooter lines up straight behind the ball, it will be difficult for him to come around the ball and shoot to his right. While the approach angle does not always predict the location of the shot, it is just one of many clues you should consider.

Soccer Tips for Goalkeepers: Saving Penalty Kicks

Stay low: The vast majority of penalty shooters will keep the ball low to avoid missing over the top of the goal. Even the most seasoned professionals will tell you how easy it is to lose control and sky the ball over the crossbar. Keep a low stance and prepare to save a shot no more than 3 or 4 feet off the ground.