High Noon By Graham Ramsay               Today, goalkeepers need to learn how to deal with breakaways, be it the breakout dribbler exploding from the pack of stranded defenders, or the through ball into no-man’s land between the ‘keeper and the back-line. Too often, the goalies reaction is one of panic and blind aggression. This kamikaze approach brings other problems besides giving goals away – fouling the striker will bring the “red card,” as well as playing a man down. If your team is already struggling, this reckless ‘keeper play is almost the equivalent of a dagger in the heart to your teammates.             Like anything else, practicing in game-like environments and seeing how these situations develop will create a comfort zone to dealing with these problems. In addition, learning these key points will make the strikers life that much harder. The points are:   Starting Position. This homework is the beginning of any save. By asking themselves the question, “Can they score from there?” ‘Keepers will be alert and probably find the correct starting spot to make the save. Good ‘keepers will ask themselves this question and respond with the right cautious answer more than 1,000 times a game. The breakaway can come out of nowhere at any time – BE READY! Get Into Line. Always get in-between the goal and the ball. That way the ball must go through or over you to score. Travel … Travel. Where ever possible, “steal” yards to narrow the distance between the ‘goalie and the striker. Every time the attacker comes onto the ball, “Get Set” and be ready for the shot. Read Feet. Telescope in and study their touch. Respect good touch and be ready for the poor touch. Options. Once the chip is “off,” then the strikers options are to shoot low, jab-chip as the ‘keeper goes down to make the save, or dribble around (or wide) of the ‘keeper to shoot. Con-Calm. Be as clever and devious as the striker. Fake a challenge or change speeds on your approach. Some even pretend to look disinterested or bored. Remember the attacker is probably far more nervous than the goalie. Don’t Foul. Too many bad things happen – a penalty, plus a red card, the team has to be totally reorganized with the coach subbing players to survive. It can be the start of a nightmare, and if the team is already playing poorly, often more problems are just waiting to happen.   By getting it right, a dramatic “1 vs. 1” save can transform a struggling team into the belief that it can win. That’s the difference a goalkeeper can make to their team.   Good Luck and Great ‘Keeping. Graham Ramsay Email: ramsaysoccer@yahoo.com www.ramsaysoccer.com