Goalkeepers in football, hockey, handball and other sports often use the opposite hand to catch or block shots on goal. There are several tactical, physiological and practical reasons why goalkeepers favor one hand over the other when defending their net.
Tactical Reasons
One of the main reasons goalkeepers use their opposite hand is for better positioning and angles on shots. Most players tend to shoot towards the goalkeeper’s natural side, so using the opposite hand can cover more of the net.
- Right-handed goalkeepers favor their left hand when shots come from the shooter’s right side, and vice versa.
- Using the opposite hand allows the goalkeeper’s body to shield more of the net.
- Angles are improved for catching or deflecting shots wide or over the bar.
Goalkeepers spend many hours studying shooter tendencies and positioning themselves to give them the best chance of stopping a shot. Using the opposite hand is a tactical choice to maximize their reach and angles.
Tactical Positioning
When a shooter approaches from an angle, the goalkeeper will shift their body and feet to get square to the shot, but they can also raise their opposite hand to cover more of the net. This allows them to see the shot better as it comes in and react quickly.
For example, on a shot from the left side, a right-handed goalkeeper will lead with their left hand up and shuffle their feet to get square. This gives them better visibility and range than leading with the right hand on that side.
Deception
Goalkeepers also use their opposite hand to deceive shooters. When shooters see the goalkeeper’s opposite hand up, it makes them reconsider their aiming point or shot selection. This bit of hesitation or overthinking on the shooter’s part can work in the goalkeeper’s favor.
By keeping shooters guessing, goalkeepers increase their chances of stopping shots. Shooters may aim closer to the goalkeeper’s natural side if they see the opposite hand leading.
Physiological Reasons
In addition to tactical positioning, the natural physiology and biomechanics of the goalkeeper’s body also favor the use of the opposite hand.
- The opposite hand has greater range of motion for most goalkeepers.
- Rotating the torso adds power and momentum to extend their reach.
- Reaction times can be improved with the opposite hand up.
These physical factors make the opposite hand better suited for explosive dive saves and quick reaction stops.
Arm and Shoulder Range of Motion
The shoulder joint allows for extensive movement and range of motion. When goalkeepers use their opposite hand, they can take advantage of the full natural rotation of their torso and upper arm.
This allows them to make saves closer to the corner of the net or that require quick changes of direction. The added momentum from rotation adds more power and thrust to high, wide-reaching saves.
Reaction Time
With their opposite hand already up in a set position, goalkeepers can react fractionally quicker to shots. Instead of having to move both hands and arms across the body, they only have to extend out with the lead hand.
Those split seconds can make all the difference on hard, fast shots from close range. Goalkeepers are better able to react instinctively when the correct hand is already elevated and ready.
Practical Reasons
In addition to tactical and physiological reasons, some practical factors also influence a goalkeeper’s choice of hand.
- Most are simply more comfortable using one hand over the other.
- Glove fit, shape and size may favor a particular hand.
- Injuries or conditions may preclude use of a goalkeeper’s natural hand.
While less significant than tactical or physical reasons, these practical considerations can still impact a goalkeeper’s hand preference in certain situations.
Natural Preference
Like being right or left-handed, most goalkeepers find one hand to be more natural and comfortable making saves. Training and experience will add confidence using the opposite hand.
But when quick reactions are required, goalkeepers typically rely on their dominant hand. Gloves that fit just right and feel natural may also subconsciously steer them to that hand.
Injuries and Conditions
Various injuries, sprains, strains or medical conditions may preclude a goalkeeper from using their natural catching hand temporarily. These include:
- Finger, hand or wrist sprains
- Shoulder injuries like dislocations
- Nerve damage or irritation like carpal tunnel syndrome
- Arthritis or chronic pain
In these cases, goalkeepers have no choice but to rely on their opposite hand while the natural hand heals. But this can lead to increased comfort and skill using the non-dominant hand.
When Are Two Hands Used?
While goalkeepers strongly favor one hand for catching and punching shots, they will often use both hands together for other situations:
- Smothering shots close to their body
- Coralling high crosses or deflections
- Grabbing the ball securely after a save
- Possession throws out to teammates
Using two hands gives them more control and security when the shot or pass is difficult to handle or close to their body. But in reaction situations, the tactics and physiology clearly favor the opposite hand for saves.
Smothering Shots
When a shot is directed right at them or close to their body, goalkeepers will use two hands together to smother the ball and trap it against their chest. This stops the ball dead and gives a secure grip.
Controlling Loose Balls
On crosses, deflections or loose balls in a crowd, two hands gives goalkeepers the best control. They can use both hands above their head to pull the ball out of the air or secure it against incoming opponents.
Hand Usage by Individual Keepers
While general principles apply, individual goalkeeper technique and hand dominance varies.
| Goalkeeper | Natural Hand | Opposite Hand Used |
|---|---|---|
| Manuel Neuer | Right | Left |
| Hugo Lloris | Right | Left |
| Jordan Pickford | Left | Right |
| Thibaut Courtois | Left | Right |
| Marc-André ter Stegen | Right | Left |
| Alisson | Right | Left |
| Emiliano Martinez | Right | Left |
This table shows a sampling of top goalkeepers and which hand they favor for saves. All predominantly use their opposite hand except for left-handed keepers like Pickford and Courtois.
While right-handed goalkeepers outnumber lefties, both can apply the tactics and techniques of opposite hand usage.
Goalkeeper Glove Usage by Hand
Goalkeeper glove choice, fit and features may also influence which hand they favor:
| Feature | Favored Hand | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Snug fit | Natural hand | Feels more natural |
| Claw grip gloves | Opposite hand | Aids in catching |
| Finger protection | Opposite hand | Reduces sting from shots |
| Smooth latex palm | Natural hand | Better grip and control |
| Wrist support | Natural hand | Reinforces dominant hand |
Goalkeepers often train and play with slightly different gloves on each hand. Factors like grip, protection, and fit may give them more confidence in a particular hand.
Training the Opposite Hand
While hand preference is partly natural, goalkeepers also spend many hours training to use their opposite hand effectively:
- Specific catching and shot-stopping drills using only their weak hand.
- Using different glove types to get comfortable with the opposite hand.
- Focus on footwork and angles to put their opposite hand in the best position to make saves.
- Building dexterity and strength in the opposite hand with various hand and wrist exercises.
- Analyzing shot tendencies and tactics to strategically position their opposite hand.
With this specialized training, goalkeepers can overcome any natural disadvantage and turn their opposite hand into a strength.
Drills and Exercises
Some sample drills goalkeepers use to train opposite hand usage:
- One-handed catching practice with only the opposite hand.
- Shot-stopping drill forcing use of only the weak hand side.
- Bouncing and throwing a ball off a wall with the opposite hand to practice reflexes.
- Rotational saves across the body to build arm and torso strength.
- Wrist curls, finger extensions and rotator cuff exercises to build dexterity.
These drills develop the neural pathways for quick reactions and give confidence using their weaker side.
The Yips – When Opposite Hand Use Fails
In rare cases, goalkeepers can actually lose the ability to effectively use one of their hands, a condition sometimes referred to as the “yips.” This can force them to rely entirely on the opposite hand.
This loss of coordination or confidence in one hand is usually psychological rather than physical. The exact causes are unknown but may include:
- Past injuries causing mental blocks.
- Performance anxiety and loss of confidence.
- Overthinking movements rather than relying on instinct.
Notable goalkeepers like David James, Joe Hart and Robert Green have suffered from the yips during their careers. Extensive training and counseling may help overcome these mental hurdles.
Famous Examples
| Goalkeeper | Hand Affected | Time Period |
|---|---|---|
| David James | Right | Early 2000s |
| Joe Hart | Left | 2013 |
| Robert Green | Left | 2010 |
These goalkeepers had trouble using one of their hands for a period of time, which forced them to rely solely on their opposite hand.
Advantage for Left-Footed Goalkeepers?
Onetheory suggests left-footed goalkeepers may have an advantage using their opposite hand compared to right-footers.
Since most players are right-footed, shots tend to go to the goalkeeper’s left side. Left-footed keepers lead more naturally with their right hand to that side.
Right-footed keepers may have to reach across more awkwardly with their left hand for the same chances. This could give lefties a split-second advantage.
In reality, this is likely a negligible difference. Tactical training can overcome any minor physical advantage.
Left-Footed Goalkeeping Greats
| Goalkeeper | National Team |
|---|---|
| David Seaman | England |
| Neville Southall | Wales |
| Iker Casillas | Spain |
| Gianluigi Buffon | Italy |
| Manuel Neuer | Germany |
These world-class, left-footed goalkeepers had huge success at the highest levels, perhaps helped slightly by opposite hand usage.
Conclusion
In summary, goalkeepers favor their opposite hand for several key reasons:
- Tactical positioning to cover more angles and net.
- Greater range of motion and momentum from body rotation.
- Quicker reaction time with hand already elevated.
- Natural comfort and feel with one hand.
- Strategic deception of shooters.
Proper positioning, extensive training with the opposite hand, and tailored glove choices allow goalkeepers to make full use of these advantages. While two hands are still useful in many situations, the one-handed, opposite hand save remains a key technique for all goalkeepers.