Edition 63 

Welcome to the Goalkeeping Newsletter. Today's issue will deal with playing keeper in wet conditions.

Goalkeeping is always difficult to do but it becomes even more difficult in wet conditions. First of all, it's harder to hold onto a wet ball and secondly, the ball is more likely to skid or stop when it's played on the ground.

In order to catch balls when it's wet, two things are needed. First, it would be a good idea to have a good pair of gloves (I can not recommend any because I know  an incredibly small amount about them). Gloves have been discussed at various times on the FineSoccer Forum so you might want to check that out. The other thing that is needed (and is much more important then good gloves, is good technique. While you might be able to catch a dry ball without good technique, it's very difficult to catch a wet ball this way. Really watch the ball into your hands and you might also want to have your hands slightly closer together then you normally do in order to prevent the ball from slipping through. You must be prepared for a mistake so make an even greater effort then normal to get your body behind
the ball at all times.

The importance of getting your body behind the ball is even greater when the ball is on the ground because it might unexpectedly skid which could prevent you from getting your hands on the ball. While I do not believe that keepers should dive unnecessarily, in wet conditions, not only do you want to get your body behind the ball, but also you will want to get as much of your body behind the ball as possible in case of a skid. In other words, while you might be willing to keep your feet on a low driven ball in dry weather, with a wet ball and ground, consider, doing a forward dive to cover the ball as much as possible.

Playing in wet conditions simply means you have to think a bit more and quicker and also you really have to employ a safety first mentality. If you are not completely sure you can catch a ball, then either push it wide, over or away from the goal. Play safe, play simple and everything else will be fine

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions please post them to the FineSoccer Forum at http://finesoccer.com/forum.htm or reply to this email.

Check you email early next week, as there will be an announcement (plus a bonus newsletter). Remember that all newsletters are archived at http://finesoccer.com 

Have a great day.

Lawrence