Goalkeeper
Visible with every goal conceded.
What this position demands mentally
- Every mistake is on the scoreboard
- Long periods of inactivity, then instant full attention.
- Self-attribution after conceding goals
- Decision against the 7-metre thrower – probability of scoring is against you
Your typical situations
Goalkeeper error
A ball you normally save goes in.
Consecutive goals conceded
Three, four shots in a row go in – and you're right in the thick of it.
Conceded a 7-metre throw
You'd made your decision, the ball was on the other side.
Saved a 7-metre throw – and immediately tense again
Made a save, and the next shot is already playing in your head.
Too slow getting back
You came out, the shooter played around you.
Opening after the save went wrong
You make the save, launch the fast break – and the pass goes out of bounds.
I feel responsible for the loss
One goal difference, and you're replaying every shot that went in.
Competition in goal: when you keep comparing yourself
The other keeper is making saves while you're on the bench – or you're on court terrified of being hooked. What you can do right now and how to talk about your playing time.
Being substituted
You go off, even though you wanted to stay on.
Sitting on the bench
The game is on, you're sitting and waiting.
Scenarios for you
Third shot, third goal. The last one was a ball you save ten times out of ten. Your coach looks towards the bench.
What's happening in your head?
Four minutes left, you're up by one goal – and you get a two-minute suspension. You’re on the bench, your team is playing a player down.
What's happening in your head?
Draw, 25 seconds left on the clock, your team has the ball. Timeout's over, the play is set – and you're involved.
What's happening in your head?
Selection try-outs. Two unfamiliar coaches stand on the sideline with clipboards. Your first ball contact: a bad pass.
What's happening in your head?
Timeout at 12:17. The coach says two sentences to the team – and then 20 seconds just to you, loudly.
What's happening in your head?
First game after four months out. The first tough tackle is coming up – exactly the movement where it happened.
What's happening in your head?