direct shots on corners

ANSWERS
Annabel DunnillCoach, England

Hi Karen,

Stopping a direct shot from a short corner in field hockey can be challenging for goalkeepers, but with the right techniques and positioning, they can increase their chances of making a save. Here are some tips for goalkeepers to stop a direct shot from a short corner:

Set Position: Before the corner is taken, the goalkeeper should set their position in the goal. Stand with your weight balanced on the balls of your feet and knees slightly bent. Stay on the goal line, covering as much of the goal as possible.

Read the Play: Try to anticipate the play and the shooter's intentions. Pay attention to the attacker's body position and the placement of the ball. This will help you react more quickly.

Quick Reflexes: Direct shots from short corners can come at you fast, so you need to have quick reflexes. Keep your eyes on the ball and be prepared to move in any direction.

Use Your Stick: The goalkeeper's stick is a crucial tool for making saves. You can use it to deflect or block the shot. Angle your stick appropriately to cover different areas of the goal.

Dive or Slide: If the shot is beyond your stick's reach, be prepared to dive or slide to make the save. This is where your agility and decision-making come into play. Make sure your dive or slide is controlled to avoid exposing the empty goal.

Close Down the Shooter: Try to close down the shooter's angle by moving toward them as they prepare to shoot. This reduces the available target and increases the chances of a save.

Remember that stopping a direct shot from a short corner can be difficult, and even the best goalkeepers will concede goals from time to time. It's important to stay mentally strong and maintain confidence in your abilities, as field hockey goalkeeping can be mentally demanding.

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