Paddling movement/positioning

This basic position results out of a dive and is used in dangerous situations when a pass passes the slot. We see a lot of goalies who stretch themselves when they try to reach a ball (s. cover picture). However, this is not the most effective way to cover the goal. Arms and part of the legs are off the goal and the body is smaller than it actually is.

Especially for short distance shots where positioning is the key to save the ball, you should cover as much as possible of the goal.

This post shows you the paddling position. It is useful when you are close to the goal and have to dive to block a shot immediately or if you are out of the goal and the striker wants to overcome you by passing the ball close to your position. I guess all of us already made the experience that a striker passed you by tunneling the ball between our armpits while you try to bring your body in a horizontal position. This will be reduced by integrate this basic skill in your goal tending.

By the way, we call this positioning/movement paddling as the positioning of the arms reminds us of the arm position by paddling.

How to do it?

• Starting point
• Initial Position (link), but it can be any other position too
• We assume that we want to save a ball on our right side
• Movement
• You are in the initial position and your aim is to dive to the right side to block the shot
• Pivot your right arm – the position of the elbow stays the same and your forearm is folded to your chest until your palm touches the left chest
• Bend your upper body on the right side and move your folded arm close to your right side of the body down to the floor
• Once your elbow touches the floor, slide with it to the side and put down your forearm on the floor – it ensures that no ball passes you below your armpit
• Ensure that during the slide your shoulder is always under your elbow. It helps you to keep balanced and you use your body most effective to cover the goal
• During the slide
• Lift and fold your left leg to cover additional space of the goal
• Fold your left arm and leads it to your head – arm and hand are covering additional space of the goal
• Ensure that leg, arm and body do not hide each other – it would minimize the covered space

• Advanced Movement
• Never be frozen in a position once you blocked the ball – the rebound is a new situation where you have to reposition yourself immediately
• Lying on the side limits your movement why you should go back on your knees as fast as possible
• Case 1: The rebound bounces to the middle of the slot and you expect a direct shot on the goal
• Use your paddled arm to lift you up
• The lifted leg goes down to the floor at the same time
• Your other arm is always ready for the save – take care that you use the area of the full arm to cover the goal. Do not hide your forearm behind your palm – Never!
• Once you are back on the knees, go back in the initial position – it helps you to move and react perfect in every situation immediately
• Case 2: The rebound bonces to the side of the goal and you except a shot at the first post
• Put the lifted foot on the floor – sole on the floor and knee in the air
• Move your knee from the leg on the floor to the elbow on the first post – it ensures that you do not open the first post when you go back into a kneeing position!
• During the movement, bend your torso forward – the lifted knee moves automatically down to the floor
• Push your body up with the paddle arm on the first post - first post is always covered
• Push your body a second time with the paddled arm that you stop to sit on your butt
• Now you are in the final position
• Final position
• You’re kneeling balanced on your knees
• First post is covered
• Your right arm hangs down and covers the first post – in addition this arm position is very useful to push your body in a certain direction if the opponent does a pass
• Your left arm is opened and covers the second post – in the balanced position you are actually in a comfortable position to react more controlled than unbalanced
• Your right leg covers the second post against flat shots

Last words
Please always keep in mind that each movement of a striker challenges you to adapt your positioning. Do not freeze in a position, it eases the striker to pass you. Give him a challenge too and adapt your position again and again to his movement.

Big thanks to Mattis Tiger who allowed us to use one of his pictures as cover picture (Instagram: @malvaktsogat)