As a goalkeeper, you’ll often face shots that are much more difficult to deal with than straightforward strikes on goal. Skilled attackers can manipulate the ball to swerve, dip, and change direction mid-air. Successfully dealing with these tricky shots requires quick reflexes, focused concentration, and a lot of practice.
This guide provides tips for reading and handling swerving and dipping shots, drills for improvement, including some common mistakes to avoid.
Why Swerving and Dipping Shots Challenge Goalkeepers
Shots with movement can be some of the toughest for goalkeepers, as it’s hard to predict where the ball will end up. The unpredictable flight path of swerving shots can curve left or right mid-air, while dipping shots often drop suddenly, making it hard to tell where the ball will land.
Many of these shots change direction late, often right before they reach you, which reduces your reaction time and requires instant adjustments. Additionally, some swerving and dipping shots may appear weaker or slower than they actually are due to the way the ball spins — which can make timing and positioning even more challenging.
With the right techniques and a focused approach, however, you can confidently handle these types of shots and prevent them from turning into goal scoring opportunities for the opposition.
Techniques for Saving Swerving and Dipping Shots
Shots with unpredictable movement, like swerves and dips, are among the toughest for goalkeepers. However, with the right techniques and a calm, focused approach, you can handle these shots confidently and prevent them from leading to goals.
1. Tracking and Reading the Ball’s Movement
Reading the ball’s flight path early gives you a better chance to anticipate any unusual movement:
- Focus on the Shooter’s Body Position: Look for clues in their stance, ball contact, and follow-through. These can signal the ball’s potential spin.
- Observe the Ball’s Rotation: Spin affects movement. Side spin often leads to swerving, while backspin can result in a sudden dip.
- Stay Balanced and Ready: Slightly bend your knees and keep your weight forward, ready to make small adjustments. Quick, precise footwork is essential here, so focus on your lateral movement and take small, sharp steps to stay balanced and responsive.
2. Positioning and Angle
When facing a shot with movement, your positioning can help you react more effectively:
- Stand a Step Deeper: This buys you a fraction more reaction time to deal with erratic shots. A slightly deeper stance allows you to adjust for shots that dip or change direction late.
- Square Up: With shoulders aligned to the ball, you can respond quickly to unexpected movement.
- Anticipate the Curve: Use your read on the ball’s spin to predict where it will go, positioning yourself accordingly.
3. Securing the Ball
Handling shots with movement requires a confident grip and quick reflexes:
- Use Both Hands: Whenever possible, catch with both hands to reduce slippage and gain more control.
- Strong Hand Shape: Spread your fingers slightly and contact the centre of the ball. For dipping shots, aim to catch from beneath.
- Stay Behind the Ball: Position your body behind the ball when catching it, so if it slips, you’re ready to block any rebounds.
4. Reacting Quickly to Movement
Swerving and dipping shots often require quick reactions at the last moment:
- Use Quick, Small Movements: Avoid overcommitting or making wide movements. Instead, make quick, small adjustments to stay aligned with the ball.
- Know When to Catch and When to Parry: Sometimes, the safest option is to parry a difficult shot instead of risking a difficult catch. Direct parries to the side or out of play.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure: Shots with movement can be intimidating, but keeping composed will help you make smarter decisions and react effectively. Trust your training and stay focused.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
When dealing with shots with movement, try to avoid these common errors:
- Overcommitting: Avoid lunging or leaning too far in one direction; stay cantered so you can adjust to last-minute changes in the ball’s path.
- Losing Sight of the Ball: Once the shot is taken, focus solely on the ball’s movement rather than looking at the shooter.
- Standing Too Far Forward: A deeper stance makes it easier to adjust to shots that drop suddenly. Stand back slightly, then move forward to meet the ball.
- Underestimating Spin: Remember that spin can cause significant movement. Always prepare for the possibility of a late curve or dip.
Goalkeeping Drills for Challenging Shots
Incorporating the right drills into your training routine will help you improve your confidence and skill in dealing with tricky shots. However, not everyone will have access to a partner who can consistently replicate the speed, spin, or knuckleball effects that simulate match situations, or a ball launcher machine. So for those with limited resources, I’ve included some alternative methods.
1. Spin Shot Drill
Have a partner strike the ball with various types of spin (side spin for swerve, backspin for dip)*:
- Position yourself to react to each shot, focusing on tracking the ball’s spin and adjusting your position accordingly.
- Aim to catch the ball securely. Practice both single and two-handed catches to handle different speeds and heights.
*If you don’t have a partner who can replicate these spins, try practicing with a textured or deflated ball, which can naturally produce unpredictable movements as it travels. Alternatively, practice kicking a ball against a wall at an angle to mimic different spins.
2. Reaction Catch Drill
Stand in goal with a partner or coach positioned 10-15 yards away. Have them take shots with unpredictable movement, such as knuckleballs or swerving strikes*.
- Focus on maintaining a balanced stance and making small, sharp adjustments to line up with the ball.
- Practice catching the ball cleanly or parrying it out if it’s too difficult to catch directly. This drill helps build quick reflexes and control when dealing with erratic shots.
*If you don’t have someone to assist, you can use a wall drill. Stand about 10 feet away and throw the ball against the wall with spin to create an unpredictable bounce.
3. High-Spin Ball Drill
Set up a ball machine or ask a partner to deliver high-spin balls that drop quickly as they approach you*.
- Practice positioning yourself a step deeper, then move forward with quick, controlled steps to meet the ball as it dips.
- Focus on getting your hands underneath the ball and maintaining a strong grip as you catch it. This drill is particularly useful for building confidence in handling dipping shots.
*If a ball machine is not available, you can still practice this drill by throwing the ball high in the air and catching it as it comes down. Use a ball with slightly less air, which will give it an unpredictable dip as it falls.
4. Swerve Drill with Cones
Place two cones about 10-12 feet apart in front of the goal. Have a partner take swerving shots aimed between the cones*.
- Start in a cantered position between the cones and work on adjusting your position to the ball’s final path.
- Practice moving side to side with quick steps, focusing on lining up with the ball and catching it securely as it curves toward or away from you.
*If a partner is unavailable, you can kick the ball off a slanted surface or use a curved kick to create natural swerve, adjusting your position as the ball moves between the cones.
Conclusion
Catching swerving and dipping shots takes practice, but with dedication, you’ll develop the skills needed to handle them more confidently. These types of shots are an inevitable part of the game, and mastering the techniques to deal with them can set you apart as a goalkeeper.
Over time, you’ll find that you can stay calm, make smarter decisions, and secure the ball even when it moves in challenging ways.
So keep training, stay sharp, and embrace the challenge of saving swerving and dipping shots!