by Jack Purdum

                   Goalkeepers are very important on the soccer field. One time, as goalie, there was one minute left. We were winning one to zero when, there was a foul in the box, they got a penalty kick. My heart was racing, my knees were trembling, they shot and I blocked it. We had won! There are a lot of things to know and have as a goalkeeper.

                   First of all, goalkeepers need the right equipment. Goalkeepers should have pads. It is great protection. There are some spots where padding is very important including, elbows, thighs, and hips. Every goalkeeper should also have gloves. They have grip to catch the ball. They have padding for palms, and protection for the wrist and fingers. Keepers also have to know how to take care of their gloves. They should wash them after every game and have a back-up pair.

                    Next, goalkeepers have to have courage. They can’t be intimidated, or they won’t try. They could just get out of the way and let the ball go in. Goalkeepers also can’t flinch. If they flinch, they could jump wrong. They can’t be scared to get hurt because, they will. Goalkeepers cannot be afraid to go after the ball.

                     Lastly, Goalkeepers need to know the rules and the point of the game. Goalkeepers won’t be called on as much as field players but, still will be called. It is illegal in soccer to push or trip. Those are called fouls. They can use their hands, but within reason they can’t use their hands out of the box and can only hold it for six seconds. They also can’t pick up a pass from their teammate. The goalkeepers job is to block the ball from going into the goal.

                     In conclusion, there are many things that goalies must know and have on the soccer field. Goalkeepers are a very important position in soccer.