Glossary

1st Goal – In a 3 goal situation, this refers to intercepting the cross before it goes across the goal area.  It is from the near post to the six yard box (longer or shorter depending on the goalkeeper’s range).

2nd Goal – If the goalkeeper is not able to win the cross before it goes across the goal, his or her next chance to save it is when the cross has net yet reached the opponent, but has already passed the near post.

3 Goal Situation - In a crossing situation there are three areas separated by order of priority for the goalkeeper to defend – the 1st goal, the 2nd goal, and the 3rd goal.

3 Hands – Refers to the technique of catching a ball on the ground when the goalkeeper dives. The goalkeeper should have a hand on top of the ball, behind of the ball, and the ground will act as the third hand. Many youth goalkeepers make the mistake of putting a hand on the bottom of the ball, but the ground will do the same job, hence the third hand.

3rd Goal – Refers to the actual goal in a three goal situation – saving the actual shot after the cross whether it’s a header or volley.  This is usually a reflex or a point blank save.

50-50 Ball – When the ball is no longer in possession of one player and is winnable by two opposing players.

All Weather Grip – Also known as all around grip. Type of technology behind the foam/latex of a goalkeeper glove that makes the glove has gripping capabilities in all weather conditions. If a goalie glove does not specify which type of weather conditions it performs best in, it probably is an all weather grip goalkeeper glove. See also all around grip.

Basket Catch – Goalkeeper catching technique for balls shot below the chest. The goalkeeper reaches out with his/her hands palms facing upward to guide the ball into his/her chest.

Boxing – Type of technique used when a goalkeeper goes for a cross, but instead of catching it, decides to punch it away.

Breakaway Save – A breakaway is when a field player has full possession of the ball and is dribbling straight for the goal with no defenders in sight. A breakaway save is when the goalkeeper whens possession or takes possession away from the opponent who is trying to dribble around the goalkeeper or take one touch around the goalkeeper to shoot the ball into the net.

Cobra Technique – The type of technique used when a goalkeeper attacks a 50-50 ball or tries to win the ball from an opponent on a breakaway. The goalkeeper attacks the ball with his/her forearms, not hands. The forearms are a stronger part of the body and will give more favorable rebounds/deflections than hands. The forearms should be in front of the goalkeepers face creating a window – not wide enough for a cleat or ball to go through, but wide enough to see out of. The hands will cup around the ball, creating a cobra like head.

Countour Catch – Similar catching technique to the W catch, but the goalkeeper turns his/her index fingers closer together forming a diamond or triangle shape (the tip of the triangle being the index fingers.

Cross – An offensive pass in the air or on ground that goes from one side of the goal to the other.

Crossover step – Type of goalkeeper technique/footwork used for getting across the goal quickly. The goalkeeper will cross his/her feet once in front and then take one or two shuffle steps to regain balance and proper positioning to react to a shot.

Double Save – Refers to when a goalkeeper makes one save, gives up a rebound, and gets up quickly to make the second save.

Dropkick – Type of goalkeeper distribution. Similar to a punt, but the goalkeeper lets the ball hit the ground and times kicking the ball just as the ball is coming up. Dropkicks are easier for field players to control than punts and can be more effective when kicking against the wind.

Extension Dive - Type of goalkeeper save/dive when the goalkeeper fully extends and dives in the air. Kids and goalkeeper enthusiasts will call this flying.

Final 3rd – The attacking third of the field.

Fingersave – Fingersave is the adidas technology behind finger protection in goalkeeper gloves. It may also be called “Fingersavers” – usually by parents of goalkeepers (hi mom and dad!)

Firm Ground Cleats – This type of stud configuration is for your typical soccer field – it is the most versatile type of soccer cleat. These cleats can be worn on artificial grass fields and natural grass fields in both dry and wet conditions. The best bang for your buck when it comes to youth soccer cleats.

Flat Palm – Type of goalkeeper glove that is very popular in the United States and around the world – most finger protective gloves are a flat palm cut. These types of goalie gloves tend to fit with more room than gunn cut or negative cut goalkeeper gloves. The reason why this cut of keeper glove fits looser than the rest is because the seems of the gloves are outside rather than inside of the glove.

Forward Dive – Type of goalkeeper technique and save where the goalkeeper gets his/her body behind the ball on low and hard shots. See also front smother.

Front Smother – Type of goalkeeper save and technique for shots that are low or on the ground and in front of the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper takes a step towards the ball with chest down to create a basket with his/her arms close to the ball. The front smoother technique is the best way to get your body behind the ball and limit mistakes from bad bounces or skips in wet weather. Also called forward dive.

Grass Cutter Save – Type of goalkeeper diving technique when the shot is on the ground to the side of the goalkeeper. This technique calls for goalkeepers to keep their hands low to the ground when they dive that their pinkies cut along the grass. (This solves the problem when goalkeepers dive over the ball).

Gunn Cut – Type of cut for a goalkeeper glove the has rounded fingers. This style tends to fit closer to the hand but feels thick and cushioned. The foam of the glove is stitched directly to the backhand (unlike flat palm and gunn cut goalkeeper gloves). See also rolled finger.

Hard Ground Cleats – These type of soccer cleats are best for play on artificial turf or hard ground fields. The deterrence behind hard ground cleats and turf shoes is that hard ground cleats have a less amount of studs, but longer studs. The difference between hard ground cleats and firm ground cleats is hard ground cleats have more studs, but at a shorter length. When it comes to soccer cleats for different types of fields – the longer the studs, the less amount of studs.

Hard Ground Grip – This technology behind this type of goalkeeper glove grip is the latex is much more durable than other types. Sometimes it will have —– and will not be as soft as othe types of goalie glove foams. The usual trade-off is between durability for grip/absorption since a glove without much durability will rip and tear very quickly on hard ground fields, indoor soccer surfaces, and artificial turf fields.

Indoor Soccer Shoes – It’s important for a goalkeeper to have indoor soccer shoes as opposed to regular running sneakers because of the constant lateral movement a goalkeeper makes when playing. Running shoes tend to be higher up increasing the likeliness of ankle injuries when playing indoor soccer. Also, most indoor soccer shoes have non-marking outsoles — many times black outsoles are banned from indoor soccer fields and gym floors.

J step – Goalkeeper technique that refers to the footwork used to defend crosses and corner kicks. The idea is to take a step away from the ball in order to attack it, rather than jump straight up. The momentum of attacking the ball is key when the goalkeeper might be going for the ball in traffic against opponents (or even teammates). When the shape of the footwork is drawn out, it looks like the letter J.

Keeper Call – The most used communication by a goalkeeper in the US (and other English speaking countries). It’s baseball’s version of “I got it,” but the goalkeeper shouts “keeper” so teammates and referees know the goalkeeper is going for the ball – teammates should not interfere with the goalkeeper going for the ball is a collision may be costly.

Knees to Chest – Training/fitness exercise that refers to the goalkeepers jumping with two feet for height and bringing their knees up to their chest.

Negative Cut – This is a very popular type of goalkeeper glove in Europe. It fits closer to the hand like a gunn cut, but without the thick feeling of foam around each finger. Unlike the flat palm style of goalkeeper glove, the negative cut glove has seems on the inside.

Oh Crap! Step – A common goalkeeper mistake and bad habit when the goalkeeper is too anxious and takes a step towards a free kick or corner kick before he/she can judge where the ball is going. If the ball is served long behind the goalkeeper’s initial step, the goalkeeper likely will say “oh crap” or another phrase since it is now extremely difficult to win the ball.

Parry – Refers to when a goalkeeper doesn’t catch the ball, but pushes it away. The difference between a parry and a rebound is intention on control of where the ball goes. Most goalkeepers will parry the ball when they dive.

Passback – When a field player intentionally passes the ball back to his/her goalkeeper with his/her foot, the goalkeeper is not allowed to use his/her hands to handle the ball or else a indirect free kick will be awarded at the spot of the foul. The rule considers passbacks to be made from anything below the knee. Any type of pass from a field player to the goalkeeper on the same team that is above the knee is not considered a passback and the goalkeeper may handle the ball with his/her hands without any penatlization.

Point Blank Save – Reaction based save for very close range shots – many point blank saves use ugly goalkeeping technique, but are some of the most exciting saves to watch. Point blank saves tend to happen on breakaways and/or crosses.

Pressure Training – Type of soccer fitness and goalkeeper fitness that is anaerobic based as opposed to aerobic based. Pressure training consists of many simple, but tiring drills that involves the goalkeeper to make basic saves over and over again as quickly as possible. A typical pressure training drill will last between 30 seconds to one minute with the same amount or less rest. Drills will include diving and getting up quickly, doing tiring footwork, abs, or jumping. Because the goalkeeper’s body is tired, it is very challenging to make the simple saves – this is great for working on consistency.

Rolled Finger – Style of goalkeeping glove that has padding around the fingers. This goalie glove tends to fell more thick and cushioned than other cuts because of the extra latex. See also gunn cut.

Service – Kicking, throwing, rolling, or volleying the ball in a goalkeeping drill.

Set Position – Refers to how the goalkeeper should be positioned right before the opponent strikes the ball to shoot. Feet should be should with apart, knees slightly bent, body weight slightly forward (definitely not backwards), and hands in a comfortable position – usually at waist height.

Smother Save – Type of save when the goalkeeper attacks a ball with his/her hands as the opponent is striking the ball. Some will refer to this as a blocked shot.

Soft Ground Cleats – Type of soccer cleat that has the fewest amount of studs, but at the longest length. Some soft ground cleats may not be allowed to be worn in youth and recreational leagues because many times the studs are made out of metal. The studs on these types of soccer cleats tend to be removable and it’s important to check hat all the studs are properly tightened before use (although unlikely, it can be dangerous if a stud falls out). Many professional goalkeepers choose to wear soft ground cleats because the goal area tends to be the softest part of many soccer fields.

Standard Cut – This refers to the most popular type of goalkeeper glove style. The latex on the palm is not directly attached to the backhand, but rather another piece of latex. This creates a box like shape around each finger. See also flat palm and traditional cut.

Traditional Cut – This is a type of cut for a goalkeeper glove that may also be called standard and flat palm. It’s the most popular type of goalkeeper glove, especially type of goalkeeper glove with finger protection. The foam is only on the palm of the glove (not the insides of the fingers). The seems of the gloves are on the outside with gussets created on the inside of the glove to provide breathability. See also flat palm and standard cut.

Turf Shoes – Type of soccer shoe made for use on either artificial grass, turf, or very hard natural fields. Turf shoes have the most studs at the shortest length and should not be worn in any type of wet weather.

Volley - Type of service that is similar to a punt, but is done between to players in a short distance.

W Catch – Type of goalkeeper catching technique for shots in the air above the chest – the thumbs and index fingers will form a W.

Wet Weather Grip – This type of technology on a goalkeeper glove palm makes the grip ideal in wet weather conditions. This type of goalie glove works so well in rain that it is recommended to soak in water before use in dry weather conditions.