This article (text below video) appears in the "Your Edge"
section of December's Lacrosse Magazine. Don't get the mag? Join US
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When playing the ball behind the goal as a goalkeeper, it's all
about positioning. With proper spacing and angles, says US Lacrosse
sponsorship manager and two-time MLL all-star Rob Scherr, you'll
neutralize the threat.
Never stand directly on the goal line. Instead, stand 1-2 yards
above the goal line to give you room to maneuver and react to a
potential feed up top.
Wherever the ball goes, mirror its position. If directly at X,
stand in the center of the crease. You're far enough from each pipe
to react to a feed.
If the ball carrier moves to back left or back right, cut the
field in half with an imaginary line perpendicular to the goal
line. Plant your pivot foot on that line and square your body to
the ball carrier. If he's back left, for example, move to your
right. "It's a quick, easy step to any direction," Scherr says.
"I'm in my stance, and I should be in good position."
Step to Pipe
With the ball carrier behind, you must play him as a feeder.
But only to a certain point.
When he gets about two yards from GLE, the feeder becomes a
dodger and is a threat to score a goal.
Step off your pivot foot and extend to the near pipe, hugging it
as the ball carrier turns the corner.
Don't lower your stick en route. It's important that no matter
where hte ball carrier is, you remain in your stance with your
stick in ready position. "You never want to relax as a goalie,"
Scherr says, "because all it takes is a quick feed from behind for
a shot right on the crease, and you're going to get burned."
