Goalkeepers are used in many sports where scoring a goal is involved, such as soccer, hockey, water polo and lacrosse. Also called a goalie, keeper, goaltender or netminder, the goalkeeper's main function is to prevent the opposing team from scoring a goal. Some games allow goalkeepers to use special tactics while other sports restrict the goalie's functions, but all sports that involve goalkeepers use them as the last line of defense.
Soccer
In soccer, the goalkeeper is the only player allowed to use his hands during play. He is restricted to hand-use inside the penalty box in front of the goal, and only when kicked to him by an opposing player. If the ball is passed to him by a teammate, he then functions as a regular field player. Once the goalie picks up the ball, he has six seconds to put it back into play. The goalkeeper may function outside the penalty box as a field player, but inside the box he has special protection -- the ball cannot be kicked when he is holding it. Goalies must wear different colored jerseys to set them apart from the rest of the team and are also allowed to wear gloves to assist with catching the ball.
Hockey
In hockey, as in soccer, the keeper's primary function is to stop the other team from scoring a goal. Using a puck shot at speeds up to 100 mph, rather than a ball, requires hockey goalies to suit up in protective gear including helmets, leg pads, a blocker on one arm, a goalie glove on the other, face masks, vests, chest pads and hockey sticks. With such a cumbersome costume, it's no wonder hockey goalies mainly stick to the immediate area near the goal. She might start her team heading in an offensive direction, but has little else to do with offensive maneuvers. When she leaves the goal net, it is usually to block shot angles and she quickly returns to the net once the angle is covered.
Water Polo
The average water polo game allows in excess of 20 shots on goal per team, meaning the goalkeeper needs to work long and hard during the game to stop the opposition from scoring. Water polo requires goalies to be physically fit and have explosive power. Having a long arm-reach is also beneficial to the position. Blocking shots is the keeper's main function during the game, but the goalie is also responsible for communicating field play to her teammates, guiding the team's actions by observing and directing. Keepers also initiate offensive plays when she passes the ball out of the net.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse requires goalies to play a large role in team leadership, but her main function is to block the opposing team's attempts to score by deflecting the ball with her stick or body. Lacrosse is another fast-paced game requiring goalies to wear special protective gear including a cup, throat guard, helmet, stick, chest protector and gloves. Besides blocking shots, the goaltender needs to be aware of the ball's location at all times and communicate that with her teammates. Also, she needs to be willing to get hurt, as bruising often occurs.
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