Using The Kick Save

Description

From the three examples you can see that a kick save is used when shots are close, low and almost directly at the keeper. This is often a difficult spot for goalkeepers to save because you don't get to dive outwards to make a save. In this situation the goalkeeper does not have time to dive and parry the shot and must make a reactionary save with their feet instead of using their hands.

In the first example, the goalkeeper is positioned on the near post as the attacker approaches. The angle is small and the goalkeeper must make himself as big as possible. The attacker can shoot high or low so the goalkeeper can't commit to either one right away.  Instead he stands his ground and waits for the shot. The shot comes low and the only way to save it in time is to use a kick save. Its a simple yet effective technique to make a quick save.

In the second example, the goalkeeper again has to react to a quick, low shot from close range. This time the shot comes from directly in front and the goalkeeper does well to get down quickly and make the save.

The final example is similar to the first example except that the goalkeeper is a bit off balance and has to prevent a cross from being completed. The cross is low, hard and directly at the keeper which makes it impossible, especially when off balance, to make a normal save. The goalkeeper uses the kick save as a last ditch effort to prevent the goal.

As you can see the kick save is a great way to make a quick last ditch save on a shot. Use it only when you absolutely have to.