7 Soccer Tips For Goalkeepers

You will also need to practice these tips and make them a part of your daily routine. The main aim of the goalkeeper is to save the goal. You should be ready at all times. Adapt the off season training tips in the matches that you play to become a great goalkeeper.

Stay focused on the ball at all times
Don't fall in the trap of just looking at the ball when it's in the 18-yard box. Keep yourself focused on the ball at all times, even if it's far away from you. Many goalies have realized to their horror the consequences of not paying attention to the ball when it's far way.

Be ready to leave the 18-yard box
The primary mission of the goalkeeper is to save the shots from reaching the goal. However, at some point in the game, you will need to leave the 18-yard box. Don't do this too often or the opponent can easily score while you are away. Be prepared to leave the goal and run in order to save the ball. Don't hold back at this time, instead run with confidence and determination.

Jump to reach the crosses
Before you jump in the air to save the ball, be sure that you can actually reach the ball. When you should and shouldn't jump for crosses is very difficult to determine. In fact, this is something that you will actually learn on the field as you gain more experience. If you lose the ball in the air, then the opposing team has an advantage over you.

Learn from your mistakes
Making mistakes is a part of the game. Unless you make mistakes, you won't go very far. Have confidence in yourself and then you can take out the opposition. You will concede goals. At these times, analyze what went wrong and then try not to repeat the mistake again.

Surprise your opponents
Don't make the first move, let your opponent do it first. This way you will be able to take them by surprise. As a soccer goalie, you should be able to judge the body language of the players. This is very important when the offensive players are taking a shot. You must be able to judge when, how and where the strikers are planning to shoot.

Standing close to the goal line is necessary
It's important that you stand close to the goal line (about one yard). Standing too far away from the goal line can give immense opportunities to the opposing team. You don't want to be caught with your guard down.

Don't be afraid of getting hurt
Goalkeepers can't be afraid of getting hurt. You will need to use you whole body to stop your opponents from scoring. In a tight situation, you must do everything you can in order to save the goal. Injuries happen in spite of all the training and the gear that the goalkeepers wear, but that's part of the game.

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World Cup Goalkeepers - Gianluggi Buffon

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Born in Jan 28, 1978, Gianluggi Buffon is Italy's number 1 goalkeeper and considered by many to be among the current top five soccer goalkeepers in the world. Gianluggi, better known as 'Gigi', has the distinction of being the most expensive goalkeeper in soccer history. He was transferred from Parma to Juventus for a record fee of £33 million, which is the highest amount paid ever for a goalkeeper. This further adds to the notion that he is among the best goalkeepers in the world today.

In 2003, Buffon was recognized as the 'Best Goalkeeper' in Europe by UEFA at the European Football Awards. He helped Juventus to become the Italian League champions three out of four seasons since he joined them.

Buffon's debut was in 1995. He joined Parma at the age of 17 and worked his way up the ladder. Although Buffon is an accomplished goalkeeper, he was actually a midfielder in his earlier teens. His switch of position from midfield to goalkeeper has proven to be the right one. His growth into a respected goalkeeper has been phenomenal. He proved his mettle along the way and was a reserved goalkeeper in the 1998 world cup. Buffon became the undisputed number 1 goalkeeper for Italy in the 2002 world cup. He will once again feature in the 2006 world cup as Italy's first choice goalkeeper. Though he has been chosen to represent Italy in the world cup, many are concerned whether he will be in top form after suffering a major shoulder injury in 2005/06. Buffon is out to prove that he is in his best form and says that he will be ready for the 2006 world cup. He was so confident that he predicted that Italy has a 95% chance of winning the world cup.

Buffon was mired in controversy recently for his alleged involvement in betting. He was questioned by magistrates in Turin and has denied any wrongdoing on his part. Buffon said that he has not been involved in any betting after the Italian Football Federation implemented new rules that disallowed active players from betting in 2005. There is currently a major crackdown by the authorities on betting, as many people directly involved in the game are allegedly involved in betting.

With all these things weighing on his shoulders, Buffon will need lots of mental strength and mental training to stay focused on his game.

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