Are you someone who is new to soccer practice? Or are you currently learning/wanting to learn about the sport? It does not matter which category you fall under because by now we’re all familiar with the different kinds of soccer team members. To recall, they include the forward strikers, the midfielders, the defenders, and the goalkeeper. Each of these positions has its own techniques and strategies that the respective players must understand in order to take part in the game in that position. While all of the positions are important to win the game, the one player has to be super alert and has to make sure the ball doesn't hit the goalkeeper, also casually called ‘goalie.’

Krampus Production/Pexels | This job is not as easy as you might think!

To perfect your knowledge, we’re sharing rules that goalkeepers have to keep in mind.

1. Ball Handling

Hands are completely off-limits when it comes to soccer but there is an exception for the goalkeeper. This player has the privilege to hold, toss or shoot the ball but the player must be in their penalty area to do so. The goalie can also hold the ball if your team member unintentionally passes it to you. However, if the pass is intentional then the goalkeeper has to stop the ball and then pick it up.

Anastasia Shureva/Pexels | A goalkeeper only receives 6 seconds to distribute the ball, so they have to think fast

2. Goalkeepers Can Commit Fouls

Just like the other players in the match, the goalkeepers also have to be careful that they do not commit a foul. They can commit a foul in different ways; if they manage to make the striker trip, push the striker down, and/or pull the shirt of the striker.

3. Goalkeepers Leaving Their Spot

Goalkeepers have an assigned penalty area that they cannot leave unattended or else the opponents can take this as an opportunity to score a free goal.  However, goalies are allowed to leave their spot only if they do not have the ball in their hands. This usually happens during the last bit of the game when the team scores a goal to win or tie. Since the ball is nowhere near the penalty area, the goalkeeper can easily step outside his designated area.

Robo Michaelec/Pexels | The penalty area is like the little island that they have to defend at all costs

So, these are the 3 basic rules that you need to keep in mind while goalkeeping. When are you going for your try-outs?