First-time soccer goalkeepers might not be familiar with how the position is played. The rules regarding what a goalkeeper, or goalie, is allowed to do are quite different from those for the other field position players. Understanding some basics about the position will enable you to be much more comfortable your first time playing goalie in soccer.
What to Wear
Goalies are required to wear a color that differs from both teams as well as the referees, according to the FIFA Laws of the Game. The jersey that goalkeepers wear is typically long sleeve and might have padding in the ribs and/or elbows. You may wear the shorts and socks that your teammates wear, or you can choose to wear padded shorts or pants, too.
Goalie Gloves
Since goalies are allowed to use their hands, almost all goalkeepers choose to wear specialized goalie gloves. These gloves have a latex foam palm that allows you to catch and hold onto the ball, as well as provide cushioning for balls that would otherwise sting your bare hands. Quality goalie gloves also support your wrists and protect your fingers. The price of gloves can range anywhere from about $10 to upwards of $200.
The Penalty Area
First-time goalies should be comfortable in the penalty area, and if you know what all of the different lines mean, you will be able to follow the rules of the game better. The goalie may use her hands inside the penalty area, which measures 44 yards wide and 18 yards long, with the goal centered on the end line. The goal measures 8 feet tall by 24 feet wide. The penalty areas and goal sizes are proportionally smaller for younger age groups, with U-8 fields about 50 percent the size of a professional field.
How to Catch
Once you understand the basic rules, you can move into actual game play. The most important thing a goalie should know is the proper way to catch a soccer ball. The basic technique requires you to place your thumbs and index fingers in the shape of a "W." This allows your fingers to be wide enough to catch the ball but in a position that will help prevent the ball from slipping through your fingers. This works for catching balls at chest level and above, as well as balls that you have to dive for.
More Basics
Since the basic task of goalkeeping is to keep the ball out of the net, you want to keep your body between the ball and the goal. Since the balls can take errant hops on uneven ground or skip on wet grass, if you aim to get the majority of your body behind the ball on every play you make you will be able to stop the ball with your body if it were to slip through your hands.
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