You’ve decided to jump into the awesome sport of field hockey. There are multiple positions in field hockey. You have your strikers who primarily play offense. You’ll have defenders who hang back and help stop the opposing team from scoring.
You then have the midfielders. These players jump between offense and defense depending on the situation. The main goal for midfielders is to get the ball to the strikers so they can score.
Finally, you have the goalie.
This position is perhaps one of the most important roles in field hockey. A field hockey goaltender is the anchor to the team. This position can mean the difference between crushing the opposing team or being crushed by it. Think you have what it takes?
Here are the top five qualities a field hockey goalie should possess:
1) Attention to Detail
Field hockey goalies need to stay focused at all times during the game. You must keep your eyes on the ball and track where it is going no matter what side of the field it’s on. Goalies must also constantly be aware of the position of players on the field. This applies to both friendly and opposing players. You’ll need to see the least defended position on the field and plan for an attempted goal in that area.
2) Decisiveness
If you plan on becoming a goalie, you’ll have to be quick-thinking. During a game, you may only have a few seconds to react. You’ll have to not only be decisive in your decision-making, but you’ll have to trust yourself as well. There’s no room for second-guessing in the heat of the moment.
3) Calm and Collected
It doesn't matter how good of a field hockey tendy you are, the opposing team will score a goal. A good goalie will not let this throw them off their game, you’ll have to stay level-headed. A bad goalie will get upset and make poor choices. That will result in more goals getting scored on them.
4) Trust
A field hockey tendy will have to know and trust their teammates. Don’t leave your position and rush to get the ball if your teammates are defending it properly. As a goalie, you’ll have to ignore the urge to be drawn away from the goal line. Instead, watch how the play unfolds and only step in when you know you are needed.
5) Coordination
Often overlooked, excellent hand-eye coordination is needed. As a field hockey goalie, you’ll be allowed to use their hands, feet, body, and stick to stop the ball. An exceptional goalie will know what play is the best. You’ll want to get proficient in blocking with not only your stick but your hands and body as well.
The goalie position in field hockey is one of the most important positions on the field. A great goalie with consistent defenses will earn a phenomenal reputation amongst their team. The strengths listed above are a great idea of what an athlete should possess to be a successful goalie.
