Before the Game Starts

When you come to a new stadium or field, walk onto the field and get a feel for the surface and the atmosphere of the whole place. After you have done your warm-up and stretching, but well before the game starts, inspect the whole penalty area. You want to know if there are any holes, soft spots, sprinkler heads, bolts, tent pegs, rocks or any other kind of foreign object in the area. [I have encountered all of these and more]. Then inspect the six yard box or goal area. You will be spending a lot of time there, doing most of your diving and kicking in this area, so your inspection must be even more detailed than for the rest of the penalty area.

Next check the goal itself. You have already checked the ground so now we are going to check the net. Check along each post to see that the net is securely fastened. Look for the same thing on the crossbar. If the net is loose at the post or crossbar see if your coach can fix it. [With the net loose a goal can be scored against you by going behind the post or crossbar. The referee sees the ball in the net and counts it as a goal]. You are then also going to check the net on the side netting to make sure that the net is well fastened to the ground. If the net is loose or fastened too high off the ground you might have to same problem with a goal being awarded against you. Let the referee or linesman know if the net is loose or could not be fixed. They will then at least be aware of the problem.

When you change sides at half-time inspect the net for the same problems as at game start. In play, or sometimes deliberately, the net may have come loose. Fix it or notify the referee or linesman. Smart goalkeepers carry tape or even some Velcro straps with them to solve such problems.

Put your glove bag (with towel, tongue depressor and tape) and water bottle into the goal. What's the tongue depressor for? That is to get mud out between your studs. OK, take a deep breath – YOU ARE READY TO PLAY. Good luck, play fair.