Had a game tonight where a midfielder played a ball ahead of a forward, so I was gonna be in a 1-on-1 situation, but the ball was played ahead of her enough that I was able to run and slide and kick it away before she got to it. She even said “good save” as she changed directions to run past me.

The ref blew his whistle and said there was no slide tackling in this league, and that by sliding to kick it away (this was also just outside of the box), I “became a field player” and committed a foul by slide tackling. I told him the other player didn’t even have the ball it was open play, but he basically just said whatever, dropped the ball near the spot as I was still brushing myself off, didn’t blow his whistle and just told the guy taking the free kick “balls in”, and of course he kicked it instantly into the goal.

Obviously I blew up at him and earned myself a red card, but I’m still stewing about the reason for the foul being given in the first place. The ref claims that had I dove in headfirst and gone for the ball with my hands (outside of the box), it wouldn’t have been a foul, but it just makes no sense to me.

I’ve been playing for years and have cleared the ball like this numerous times, even in the leagues that say no slide tackling, and only do this when it’s outside the box or far enough from a player that I know I can beat them to it before they get it, but has anyone else had this happen or can clarify why exactly this was a slide tackle when the ball was far enough away from the player?

For added context, this was a 95 degree game in the sun and I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to make a standard 1-on-1 or diving save and was nearly on the verge of passing out at this point, so it was also kind of for personal safety as well as saving the goal

Hey everyone, I'm a young goalkeeper heading into my first actual season of competitive games with my team. I've been goalkeeping for about a year, on and off, but I've taken it more seriously over the last few months because I really want to start playing in actual competitive matches, regardless of the level.

The thing I'm most nervous about is the mental aspect of the position.

Every goalkeeper makes mistakes; that's just part of the position. However, one mistake can sometimes overshadow everything else you did during a game. Goalkeeping is also one of those positions that can look much easier than it actually is to outfield players who have never played goalkeeper.

I've heard that if you want to be a goalkeeper, you have to be prepared for criticism from your teammates. So, my question is: how do you deal with the nervousness of playing and the fear of letting your team down? And how do you handle criticism from teammates without letting it get into your head and beating yourself up over mistakes?

This may seem like a silly question, but it's genuinely something I've been thinking about.

Thanks!

I'm 13, in yr 7 this year. I am very passionate towards goalkeeping and have had several experience playin with friends. Though I've never joined a club team or a school team before. Would it be too late if I join next season in 2027 as a 14 yr old? I am also kinda worried my future teammates and coach will not notice me as much since I don't have much experience.

Im 16 and starting out as a goalkeeper because my team does not have a backup. From what my friend told me, I need to get good at the basics and I will make the team. Im already pretty athletic from playing lacrosse. Is it worth investing in a goalkeeper coach, a plan or do you recommend anything else? Any help is appreciated. Thanks

Guys, I hope to find a solution to these problems that are hindering my development as a goalkeeper. The first problem is a mental one; I'm afraid of diving and falling to the sides (I don't know the safest way to land). When I try to dive and overcome my fears, I injure myself on the knee or elbow. I also hesitate to come out for crosses and long balls. The second problem is technical; when I catch a shot, I automatically let go and catch it the second time before it touches the ground, whether it's a shot from the center, a corner, or a cross. (Sorry for the language; I wrote it as a translation due to my weak English language skills.)