GOALKEEPER Meaning and
Definition
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A goalkeeper refers to a player in team sports, particularly in football (soccer), whose primary task is to prevent the opposing team from scoring by blocking and saving shots on goal. Also commonly known as a goalie, netminder, or keeper, the goalkeeper assumes a pivotal role in protecting their team's goal area, acting as the final defense line against the opponents' attacking efforts.
Typically positioned near the goalpost, the goalkeeper uses their hands, feet, or any part of their body, excluding their arms and hands beyond the penalty area, to intercept and deflect shots, crosses, and long-range passes. Their abilities to anticipate and react swiftly, as well as their technical skills in diving, catching, parrying, and clearing the ball, are vital to their team's success.
The goalkeeper also plays a crucial role in organizing and coordinating the defense, offering instructions and ensuring the team maintains effective defensive positions. They are often skilled communicators, utilizing verbal cues, hand gestures, and signaling to inform and direct their teammates.
Aside from their defensive responsibilities, goalkeepers are increasingly expected to be skillful in distributing the ball to initiate counterattacks or build-up play. This entails proficiency in throwing or kicking the ball accurately and decisively to teammates. Furthermore, they must possess excellent reflexes, agility, bravery, and mental toughness to withstand pressure situations and make game-changing saves.
Whether it be diving to block powerful shots, anticipating opponents' movements, or making incredible saves, the goalkeeper is a vital figure within the team, wielding immense influence over the course of a game.
Top Common Misspellings for GOALKEEPER *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for GOALKEEPER
Etymology of GOALKEEPER
The word "goalkeeper" originated from the combination of two separate English words: "goal" and "keeper".
The term "goal" comes from the Middle English word "gole", which was derived from the Old English "gāl". Originally, "goal" signified a boundary or boundary marker. In the context of sports, particularly team sports like soccer, "goal" referred to the area marked with posts or a net where the ball has to be hit or kicked in order to score points.
The term "keeper" comes from the Middle English word "kepere", which was derived from the Old English "cēpere". "Keeper" denoted someone who watches over, guards, or protects something. In the context of sports, a "keeper" is the person responsible for guarding or protecting the goal area.
Idioms with the word GOALKEEPER
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round the keeper/goalkeeper
The idiom "round the keeper/goalkeeper" refers to a situation in sports, particularly football (soccer), where a player manages to bypass or evade the opposing team's goalkeeper in order to score a goal. It signifies successfully outmaneuvering or tricking the goalkeeper to gain an advantage in the game.
Similar spelling word for GOALKEEPER
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