How to Try Out for Goalkeeper When You Know Nothing About Soccer

Overview
Playing goalkeeper in soccer usually alternates between moments of intense action and concentration when the ball is at your end of the field, and lonelier stretches when the ball is near the other goal. If you know nothing about soccer, remember these two fundamentals when you try out: Your job is simply to keep the ball out of your team's goal, and goalkeepers are the only players who can use their hands to grab or deflect the ball. Part of being a goalkeeper is also to help your team move the ball downfield either with a big kick or a short pass to a teammate to start the action.

Learn the Position
Step 1
Watch online or on TV before your tryout to discover how good goalkeepers get in position to the play the ball. If you have a chance to see a game live, keep your eye on how the keepers move to give themselves the best angle to defend a shot on goal.

Step 2
Get some friends together, preferably some who play soccer, and practice at a park or school before your tryout. This will help you get used to the speed and feel of balls kicked at the goal.

Step 3
Attend a summer camp that focuses specifically on goalkeeping or even just a general soccer camp. Immersing yourself in the sport for a week or so will help you learn the game and the position and will help you get ready for tryouts.

Remember the Basics
Step 1
Keep your hips and shoulders square to the ball, no matter what angle the ball is in relation to the goal. Don't catch yourself looking sideways at the ball. Be prepared to shuffle your feet sideways to stay with the ball.

Step 2
Picture yourself on an imaginary line between the center of the goal and the ball, no matter where it is, so that you can move to the right or left goal post with equal ease.

Step 3
Come out away from the goal, but not so far that opponents can chip the ball over your head. You want to approach the ball to cut down on the angle the other team has to shoot.

Tips and Warnings
Read up on the rules of soccer so you'll feel more comfortable if tryouts include a game simulation. Be aggressive in going after the ball, and remember you can use your hands to deflect the ball or catch it when it's kicked toward the goal.
Don't stand too close to the front edge of the goal. That's fine during penalty kicks, but in the course of the game, if you come out away from the goal, you reduce the angle attackers will have to kick on by you.

Things You'll Need
Soccer ball Goal Players to practice with