Q&A for How to Be Fearless as a Soccer Goalie

Your natural reflex is to hurl over, so look up as quickly as possible to see where the ball is and prevent any further shots.

No goalkeeper keeps a perfectly clean sheet, and sometimes you have to take the risk. If you can, tell your coach you want improve on corner-defending skills, and see if he has any drills that might help.

Don't be afraid; the refs usually give the goalkeeper the benefit of the doubt and there usually won't be a consequence for you.

Keep practicing. Ask your friends (or a parent) to play with you. Tell your friends to shoot the ball high so you can practice catching it. You may be a little afraid of high balls, and this is normal, but as you become used to them, you'll be less frightened.

Wear headgear or any other protection but don't be scared because if you are scared then the striker has won half the battle. Be confident.

Just listen to the ref even if you think a penalty shouldn't have been called.

Because they are aiming their shot up high (maybe in the corners). So just watch his/her eyes.

Just go in there and do your best. If you get scored on and it's your defense's fault, don't worry. If you make a mistake that was all your fault, keep playing and don't worry about it. All keepers make at least one mistake, let it be part of your learning process.

Just take the hit. You may be hurt, but you will prevent a shot and be branded as a hero.

As long as you are within your own handling area, the eighteen yard box in a full size pitch, yes.

I personally have never worn one and have never been kicked in the mouth, but if you're worried at all, there's no harm in wearing one.

Face the person with the ball, and get ready if he shoots. Be prepared in case he passes it to the other striker, because there will be a pretty good chance that'll happen.

Land on your armpit area and on the side of your body. Goalie gloves protect your fingers (the ones with finger protectors). These will help you not break any fingers or sprain your wrists. They aren't 100% effective, but they can help.

Be confident. Always land on your shoulders so that you can prevent less injury. Practice by doing low dives by just falling to the side, and eventually do high dives.

Use the "W" technique to catch a ball when your arms are outstretched, or use the "cup" position to bring a powerful shot into your body, slowing the ball down and lessening its force.

Do squats, jump-squats and lunges. These build your leg strength so you are able to jump higher. Measure your vertical every week so you can see your progress.

Work on your foot work. My coach always did a drill with me to work on being on my toes. He would toss the ball to the penalty marker, and I'd run up and push the ball to him, then backpedal toward the goal. He would then throw the ball over as if I was chipped, and I'd have to jump and make the save. The drill works on your game sense, stamina, as well as agility.

Always strike the ball with your laces, never with your toe. If you want to kick the ball far use as much power as you have. Practice in a large area.

Quickly get up and try your best. Don't be down over a bad play,as it messes up your vibes.

Practice diving and not being afraid to hit your head when you dive. If you feel uncomfortable, wear a helmet, they are very protective.

A goalie can be any size. And you're right, you can absolutely make up for what you like in height with quick reflexes.

Land on your side, or your shoulder blade if you need to (this will turn the landing into more of a roll). Never land on top of your shoulder (with your arms down, deltoid muscle to the ground), as this will break your collarbone. The bones and muscles on your sides and your back's sides are good at absorbing a dive. Check out the YouTube video "Goalkeeper Training: How To Dive Without Hurting Yourself" by ARS Goalkeeping.

When you're coming out towards a striker or other opponent, make yourself look big by putting your arms out to each side. Angle your left leg inwards to seal off the space between your legs.

Try diving on a mattress first so you can get the feel. One you feel like you've got it, try it on grass and eventually you'll be able to dive and not worry.

Be sure to toss the ball in the air with hand the opposite side of your dominant leg. For example, if you're right-footed, you use the left hand to toss the ball.

Don't take it personally. No matter what, it's not all your fault. It's a team sport, and the other defenders have an obligation to keep the ball away from the goal in the first place.

Practice. If you practice against multiple people, you will be more comfortable on the field.

I usually go for a side volley but the easiest way is to run to the edge of the 18-yard box, drop it in front of you and lace it through.

One thing you could try is kneeling on the ground and having a friend toss the ball to your side and dive for it. Once you get comfortable with that, try doing the same thing standing.

Take a deep breath and focus on the legs or the eyes of the person with the ball, so you can see which way the ball is coming at you.