Hello, I have been playing goalkeeper for around 2 years. When I train with my team, I am able to save (or at least get close to saving) a lot of 7 m shots because I have seen how they typically shoot the ball, but when I play a different team, I have no clue what to do. Fellow goalkeepers, what strategies do you use to save 7 m shots?
In the end 7m throwing is always a gamble if the shooting person is at least a little bit able u don't have time to react, so u have to try different things If the penalty taker has a very weak shot and you are fast u can go back on the line and try to react or gamble on one side
Otherwise play with the taker like bait him to shoot between your legs And always look at the player arm it says way more than the face
Generell more people shoot in the short corner so right handed players prefer shooting right left-handed left
First off, how old are you? Penalties are almost entirely a mindgame in my opinion, at least when you are playing as a senior.
I usually go for making myself as big as I’m comfortable with without being shot over, around 3-4 meters out from the goal. This makes it so that the shooter has no easy shot and they have to focus. Then it’s mindgames all the way. First penalty of the day? Look confident, engage your feet and keep a good posture. Make him shoot the more difficult shot. Never sell yourself short but don’t be to passive either, just enough. Since you’ll never be able to react on a penalty you just have to occupy as much of the goal as possible and make him shoot into you. Try to learn reading body language and try watching your opponent. Make a calculated guess and make a move when he shoots. Don’t overdo it and make sure you keep your entire body between the posts at all times, unless you are 100% sure you know where the shot is coming.
Keep in mind, no one is expecting you to save penalties (unless maybe yourself). It’s not about making you save, it’s about making them miss. A shot outside the goal is just as good as a shot that you save. So no pressure, take your time and gather up the necessary experience! I saved 5/20 penalties in half a season last year and while 25% is not a great rate, it’s better than nothing.
Feel free to respond with any follow-up questions!
Look at the standing leg and where it is aiming because as you probably know at the beginning you learn that you throw the direction your foot aims at and shooters do it without really noticing