Goalkeepers are expected to catch and hold on to many different shots that come your way. There is a very important technique that will help ensure the greatest probability of holding on to a shot. This picture above shows the proper technique for catching the ball. When catching the ball, the keeper would want to make a triangle shape with their hands. The two thumbs will be touching as well and both of the index fingers. Having this triangle shape will make sure that the ball will not slip out from in between their hands. It will also allow you to grip three sides of the ball (the back and the two sides).



A goalkeeper would also want to make sure that they have an arch in your hands. Having the goalkeeper's palms and fingers completely locked out will prevent the ball from being caught. Any shot will bounce off of your hands. You want to make your hands absorb the power of the shot by bending your fingers slightly and arching your palms. This will make it easier to catch and hold on to the ball.

Using these steps, a goalkeeper should have the knowledge to better catch balls that are shot at them. It is important to practice these techniques to make it second nature.