I play in an intramural league where we use small goals (I'd estimate 10' wide and 6' high) and a VERY narrow field - the field is about three times as long as it is wide. How should I adjust to playing keeper in this situation? For example, I can stop basically any shot from outside 10 yards simply by standing almost right on the goalline in the right spot so as to cut off any angle, and anything other than a very powerful shot from closer than that. Does this mean I should not come out for a cross unless it's within 5 yards? For that matter, since the field lends itself to playing longball and I am faced with a one-on-one a few times per match, is it better to stay in goal and force the player to beat me rather than challenge for a ball that I'm only about 50/50 to get to first? Does anybody have any experience playing in this sort of situtation that could help out?
When coming out for a cross, you shouldn't really limit yourself to anything more then X yards. If you cna get to the ball, then by all means go for it. If there's a through ball play, you have to go with your own judgement. Many times a keeper can turn a 50/50 ball into a 60/40 ball in their advantage. If you go out like a raging bat out of hell most *smart* players will ease up or get cranked into next week. If the player collects the ball outside the box then you have to come out in a controlled manner, and play it like a normal 1 v 1.