Page:Football, The Association Game.djvu/87

 should use his hands to stop, even if he has time to get rid of the ball with his feet He should be strong enough to withstand a heavy charge, for he has every chance of being severely hustled if the opposite forwards are thoroughly up to their work. It is distinctly bad play to put the ball back even under the most critical circumstances in front of the goal; however hard he should be pressed, he ought always to make a point of relieving his goal by getting the ball away towards the wings, where it is, comparatively at least, out of danger. It is a very risky proceeding, too, to get even a few yards from the posts, as the game is so fast that his goal may be carried before he is able to return. It is always advisable to use both hands whenever possible in stopping the ball, and fisting out should be discouraged except when there is real necessity. It is undoubtedly an advantage for a goal-keeper to be a strong kick, as where the kick-off from behind has to be taken at all frequently the backs are thereby spared a lot of heavy work, and are thus able to be of very much greater use to the side.

In the event of a free kick or throw in from touch near the goal-line, or a corner-kick, the goal-keeper should not be hampered by the backs, but allowed plenty of room and a good sight of the ball This is of urgent importance, as any restriction of his freedom at such times prevents him following the ball closely, and where the smallest hesitation ' is fatal he should have nothing to interfere with his view of the ball.

Practice will alone make a really expert goal-keeper. Judgment, as well as activity and dexterity, are essential for a thorough fulfilment of the duties of the position, and this is a combination of qualities not easily obtainable.

