SpEcIAL SITUATIONs AND GOALkEEpING - Wellington Floorball

Special Situations and GoalkeepingInternational Floorball FederationPostureBody control is an important factor affecting the position.The muscles in the middle body, especially thighs,lower back and abdominals should be trained in order tomaintain body control and balance. The normal positionof the goalkeeper is on knees, weight on knees and upperbody slightly bent forward to maintain the balance allowingthe feet move to both sides. The hands should be aslightly in front of the chest and on sides so that is easy tomove them to all directions. Thus if the ball hits the hands,the ball will automatically drop in front of the body whereit is better caught compared to the sides (see pictures).if the ball is on the offensive zone or in the defensive zone’scorners (in case of a free-hit/hit-in). From standing thegoalkeeper can react better to the situation and act accordingly,for example return to a basic save position in caseof a shot as it is always easier to come down than go up.The angle of the ankleWhile holding the basic save posture, the ankles shouldbe underneath buttocks in a slight angle so that toesare pointing inwards. This will keep the ball from slippingthrough the legs. The legs should however be free tomove so the weight should be on knees, not on the ankles.This is not a natural position for the ankle so it is recommendedto stand up and keep in movement all the time.The symmetry in muscles and in movement should beconsidered when training the basic position. Both sidesshould be trained equally so that the balance remains.Individual postureThe basic save position is individual depending onthe goalkeeper’s body structure, size and other physicalabilities. The position should however be aggressive,alert and towards the game, and it should beeasy to move to all directions from the basic position.Standing upSome of the goalkeepers tend to stand up until there isa possibility for a shot. Apart from the better sight, it alsosaves the knees. It is reasonable for the goalkeeper to stand22◄