Soccer is a world renowned sport played by everyone, almost anywhere. Formal modern soccer, with order rather than the game’s initial chaos atmosphere, has been around for the last century and a half (Brief). The game has a simple principle: the team to score more goals in two 45 minute halves wins. Further, the game is composed of two teams of eleven each. Ten are field players and one is a goalkeeper. The goalkeeper is the one who can use his hands and is the last line of defense to the goal. The ten field players are to use there feet to score goals and defend.
Soccer, and more specifically goalkeeping, can be described as an American Obsession. Of the two ‘brands’ of players, the goalkeepers are of my personal obsession. Being a goalkeeper myself, I feel that passion for the role and dream of that miraculous save. American’s have the freedom to pursue their own dreams and goals whatever it may be; as I choose to pursue goalkeeping. Everyone in America has the opportunity to find their special trade and that’s why it’s an iconic obsession. “Americans are great athletes and US goalkeepers have had more success around the world than any other position. I think the ‘lone ranger’ or ‘hero’ persona that emanates from the keeper position could lend itself to an obsession in our culture,” says long time veteran goalkeeper Otto Orf. Goalkeeping represents a particular American belief of freedom to pursue what you want through its opportunities, aesthetic characteristics, and ‘hero’ persona.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
History of Goalkeeping
Human beings have been kicking balls, of various sorts, into targets since as far back recorded as 1004 B.C. in Japan. The principle would later become the basics of soccer. Initially, as recorded by the Romans, soccer was a brutal game with a chaos rather than order approach. Often times people, on teams of 20 or even 50, would become seriously hurt of killed (Origins). Formal rules for the modern game were established in England in the mid 1800’s. This was quite ironic since the game had been banned during the reign of King Edward of England, and imprisonment was for anyone caught playing. These modern rules emphasized order rather than the chaos of the early game and along came positions and standards (Brief).
With the start of modern soccer, or football, as it is called by the rest of the world, came a game with teams of eleven. These eleven players all have a position, and the only position that has surely been around since the beginnings of the game is the goalkeeper (Brief). The other players have been described to have defensive or offensive roles. The goalkeeper, however, is the only one who can use their hands to prevent a goal from being scored. They're the last line of defense.
The soccer pitch is usually 120 x 75 yards and each half has a goal. In front of the goal is a rectangular area, usually 18 x 45 yards, in which the goalkeeper is permitted to use their hands.
Goalkeepers are the soccer players of a different breed as they can use their hands. They wear a different colored shirt to distinguish themselves from their teammates and adversary. Along with this contrasting jersey they often wear gloves. Amadeo Carrizzo was the first goalkeeper to wear these protective gloves. He is also accredited with founding the modern goalkeeping technique (Goalkeeping). Goalkeepers almost always wear protective gloves, however, they may opt not to. Some of Carrizzo’s techniques include the standard dive, positioning, and ball distribution. The position is constantly evolving and adding to its rich history as the game progresses.
Amadeo Carrizo—the first modern goalkeeper
With the start of modern soccer, or football, as it is called by the rest of the world, came a game with teams of eleven. These eleven players all have a position, and the only position that has surely been around since the beginnings of the game is the goalkeeper (Brief). The other players have been described to have defensive or offensive roles. The goalkeeper, however, is the only one who can use their hands to prevent a goal from being scored. They're the last line of defense.
The soccer pitch is usually 120 x 75 yards and each half has a goal. In front of the goal is a rectangular area, usually 18 x 45 yards, in which the goalkeeper is permitted to use their hands.
Goalkeepers are the soccer players of a different breed as they can use their hands. They wear a different colored shirt to distinguish themselves from their teammates and adversary. Along with this contrasting jersey they often wear gloves. Amadeo Carrizzo was the first goalkeeper to wear these protective gloves. He is also accredited with founding the modern goalkeeping technique (Goalkeeping). Goalkeepers almost always wear protective gloves, however, they may opt not to. Some of Carrizzo’s techniques include the standard dive, positioning, and ball distribution. The position is constantly evolving and adding to its rich history as the game progresses.
Amadeo Carrizo—the first modern goalkeeper
Geography: Where are Goalkeepers from?
Soccer is played around the world and there are goalkeepers wherever it is played. The position has been around since the start of soccer and it is always needed. Never will someone find a formally sanctioned game of soccer without a goalkeeper (Goalkeeping).
Soccer, as a sport, is most popular throughout much of Europe. Some highly accredited goalkeepers include Peter Schmeichel, Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, and Petr Cech (Goalkeepers are Crazy). They all play for top professional clubs in Europe, like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Soccer is popular all over the world, not just in Iker Casillas’ home land of Madrid, Spain (Iker). For example, I play in my own back yard. I also play at my high school and at venues all over Ohio and the United States. Wherever you find soccer you can find goalkeepers.
In the U.S. soccer isn't as popular as Basketball, Baseball, or Football, but throughtout the world it is more widely played than all three combined (Origins). Almost every young child in the U.S. gets the opportunity to try the sport and its popularity is growing.
top to bottom: Real Madrid, home to Iker Casillas; Alianz Arena home to Oliver Kahn and Bayern Munich; Old Tratford, home to Edwin Van der Sar and Manchester United
Soccer, as a sport, is most popular throughout much of Europe. Some highly accredited goalkeepers include Peter Schmeichel, Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, and Petr Cech (Goalkeepers are Crazy). They all play for top professional clubs in Europe, like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Soccer is popular all over the world, not just in Iker Casillas’ home land of Madrid, Spain (Iker). For example, I play in my own back yard. I also play at my high school and at venues all over Ohio and the United States. Wherever you find soccer you can find goalkeepers.
In the U.S. soccer isn't as popular as Basketball, Baseball, or Football, but throughtout the world it is more widely played than all three combined (Origins). Almost every young child in the U.S. gets the opportunity to try the sport and its popularity is growing.
top to bottom: Real Madrid, home to Iker Casillas; Alianz Arena home to Oliver Kahn and Bayern Munich; Old Tratford, home to Edwin Van der Sar and Manchester United
Interview with Otto Orf
Overall Question: Why is Soccer, and more specifically Goalkeeping, an iconic obsession of yours?
Interview to Otto Orf:
-Cleveland Crunch/Force Player
-Runs own business HandsOnSoccer
-21-year pro indoor and outdoor goalkeeper
-led Crunch to three national MISL Championships in the 90s
-U.S. National Futsal team
-World Indoor Championships in Zurich, Switzerland-1995
-FUTSAL World Cup in Segovia Spain 1996\
-CONCACAF Futsal Tournament Guatemala 1996
Interviewer Alex Ivanov:
Why was (is) goalkeeping and soccer your passion?
Soccer was never an interest of mine as a kid. I always wanted to play football but was too small. After trying out for football my freshman year in HS and not playing at all I decided as a sophomore I would try soccer. I had never kicked a ball before so I played keeper.
What do you like the best about the position (GK)?
No matter what happens you can always save the day. A keeper has a ton of responsibility and all of his mistakes are extremely magnified but when the keeper play well or comes up big the team wins.
What is your fondest memory as a GK?
I have two. 1. Playing in double overtime of the 1994 championship game with a blown hamstring and making a few saves then a diving header to start the game winning goal (youtube under; handsonsoccer (crunch wins). 2. Is winning the CONCACAF Futsal Tournament in Guatemala 1996 and winning the goalkeeper of the tournament in my first international tour.
Do you think goalkeeping could be an iconic obsession to American culture?
Americans are great athletes and US goalkeepers have had more success around the world than any other position. I think the ‘lone ranger’ or ‘hero’ persona that emanates from the keeper position could lend itself to an obsession in our culture.
What drove you to develop Hands On Soccer?
Actually I used to travel to play outdoor every spring/summer and then return to play indoor. When I met my wife leaving for 6 months was no longer and option. I was good with kids and wanted to teach others what I had learned about the game so in 1991 I started “HandsOnSoccer’ Goalkeeping camps. It has evolved into what exists today.
What drove you to create your own brand of gloves?
My sponsorship deal for gloves went sour so I invested a few thousand dollars in some prototype gloves. After having some quality models created and getting some professional feedback from friends who wear them I decided it would be a nice way to help provide quality equipment at a fair price. My first gloves were gardening gloves with little rubber dots on them.
When did you start playing and when did you begin to feel a passion for the game as a goalkeeper?
Age 15 in 10th grade was my first time playing. 5 years later I was playing pro but in 1985 in Massachusetts while playing for Fall River Sporting I realized what passion for the game really was. The community was 85% Portuguese, the shops, restaurants, stores and all the people and my teammates spoke Portuguese. The families, fans, everyone in town would come out to see us play every Sunday. They would listen to and watch games from Europe all weekend. The game was life, and if I played well I was treated like a king. At 21 years old I was playing against Benfica, Sporting, Madiera and as a league all star against Porto. This was when I fell in love with the game.
Thank you very much Otto Orf!
No problem brother! If you like the gloves help me spread the word.
All the best to you.
If you want to work camps with me let me know and we can meet.
Peace!
Oh yeah, tell Tobey I say hey. We are having a futsal tournament on April 11th and we are working on it together.
Popularizing the Trade
IFFHS poll for “The World’s Best Goalkeeper of the 20th Century”
Lev Yashin “The Black Panther”
Dino Zoff
Peter Schmeichel
Walter Zenga
Ricardo Zamora
IFFHS “The World’s Goalkeeper of the year”
2008- Iker Casillas
2007-Gigi Buffon
2006-Gigi Buffon
2005-Petr Cech
2004-Gigi Buffon
2003-Gigi Buffon
2002-Olive Kahn
2001-Oliver Kahn
2000-Fabien Barthez (Goalkeeping, Iker)
These men, along with Otto Orf, have worked to popularize the trade of Goalkeeping. They emphasize the success that can be achieved through the position. The physical wealth and the glory that comes along with the position has been exemplified by these stars of the trade. Nations have quoted their goalkeepers as ‘Heroes’ and ‘World Cup winner’ (Goalkeepers are crazy). This persona, by these accomplished men, is what makes the position an obsession to me and to many others of the world.
Lev Yashin "The Black Panther"-Best GK of the 20th Century
Lev Yashin “The Black Panther”
Dino Zoff
Peter Schmeichel
Walter Zenga
Ricardo Zamora
IFFHS “The World’s Goalkeeper of the year”
2008- Iker Casillas
2007-Gigi Buffon
2006-Gigi Buffon
2005-Petr Cech
2004-Gigi Buffon
2003-Gigi Buffon
2002-Olive Kahn
2001-Oliver Kahn
2000-Fabien Barthez (Goalkeeping, Iker)
These men, along with Otto Orf, have worked to popularize the trade of Goalkeeping. They emphasize the success that can be achieved through the position. The physical wealth and the glory that comes along with the position has been exemplified by these stars of the trade. Nations have quoted their goalkeepers as ‘Heroes’ and ‘World Cup winner’ (Goalkeepers are crazy). This persona, by these accomplished men, is what makes the position an obsession to me and to many others of the world.
Lev Yashin "The Black Panther"-Best GK of the 20th Century
Technology behind Goalkeeping
top to bottom: finger spines to prevent hyperextention of the finger and injury; Giga Grip Gloves to ensure fantastic grip in wet conditions
Adidas FIngertip rolled finger glove (Soccer.com)
Goalkeepers are a breed of their own and they require all the basic soccer gear; cleats, and shinguards, and then some. They almost always wear gloves. Gloves protect the keeper from the forces of the ball. They have come along way since Amadeo Carrizo first wore them. They are usually made of anywhere from two to four mm of latex foam stiched to a polyester backhand. Gloves range in types, from finger spines (for protection) to giga grip gloves (Soccer.com). Adidas gloves are made in Germany, where Sondico's are made right here in the U.S. Personal preference is key for a goalkeeper to be successful with his or her gloves. Special Light weight jerseys and pants are also worn by keepers. The jerseys usually have padding on the elbow and the pants usually have padding on the hips and knees to prevent injury.
Adidas FIngertip rolled finger glove (Soccer.com)
Goalkeepers are a breed of their own and they require all the basic soccer gear; cleats, and shinguards, and then some. They almost always wear gloves. Gloves protect the keeper from the forces of the ball. They have come along way since Amadeo Carrizo first wore them. They are usually made of anywhere from two to four mm of latex foam stiched to a polyester backhand. Gloves range in types, from finger spines (for protection) to giga grip gloves (Soccer.com). Adidas gloves are made in Germany, where Sondico's are made right here in the U.S. Personal preference is key for a goalkeeper to be successful with his or her gloves. Special Light weight jerseys and pants are also worn by keepers. The jerseys usually have padding on the elbow and the pants usually have padding on the hips and knees to prevent injury.
Goalkeeping is an Art
Goalkeeping is an Art. American’s appreciate art and that isn’t let down by a goalkeeper soaring through the air to make that miraculous save. Everything the goalkeeper does is art. Everything from the soaring dives to the passing to the communicating. The position is vastly complex. The angles the player needs to measure; the talking he needs to communicate with his defenders; the confidence he needs to exist. The goalkeeper is the most important aspect of defensive soccer and the man that keeps the team in the game. He can make himself a hero by denying everything the opponent kicks his way, doing everything in his power to block shots penetrating their 8 by 24 foot goal (Goalkeeping).
A goalkeeper has a certain freedom and difference from their teammates. They’re even required to wear a totally different outfit. The art of goalkeeping can be seen not only by these fantastic saves but by the heroics and importance of their role.
A goalkeeper has a certain freedom and difference from their teammates. They’re even required to wear a totally different outfit. The art of goalkeeping can be seen not only by these fantastic saves but by the heroics and importance of their role.
Top Corner Saves
The Spectacular Ability
The Art and Heroics of the colorful jerseys and the Big save
(Goalkeeper Saves; Google images)
The Art and Heroics of the colorful jerseys and the Big save
(Goalkeeper Saves; Google images)
American Society
The society of America is filled with opportunities and freedoms. Goalkeepers represent a group of people who have a passion and a dream of success. They find a talent in their ability and a need to keep improving. Every American has a chance to find what their favorite hobby is or what talents they have. I have found mine through goalkeeping. If I could I would play every minute of every day for the rest of my life. The idea of doing the trade to entertain and make a living is what keeps me going. This freedom to pursue whatever you want symbolizes an American ideal. “The game was life, and if I played well I was treated like a king,” says Otto Orf. To be a hero, and make that artistic save, represents an opportunity specific to me and to all the other goalkeepers out there.
Works Cited
Websites:
A Brief History of Goalkeeping…. 21 Aug. 2005. The Goalkeeper Company. 8 March 2009. http://www.thegoalkeeperco.com/History.aspx?Pagename=History.
Goalkeeping Museum: The Art of Goalkeeping through the History of Football. 7 March 2009. http://www.goalkeeping-museum.com/.
Soccer.com>Goalkeeping. Eurosport: The Fabled Soccer Traders. 13 March 2009. http://www.soccer.com/Navigation.process?Srp=24&N=4294960223.
The Origins & History of the Great Game. 10 Oct. 2007. Athletic Scholorships. 8 March 2009. http://www.athleticscholarships.net/history-of-soccer.htm.
Top Goalkeeper Saves. Google Images—various images used. 13 March 2009. http://images.google.com/images?gbv=2&hl=en&q=Top+Goalkeeper+Saves.
Interview:
Orf, Otto. Personal Interview via e-mail. 12 March 2009.
Video:
Goalkeepers Are Crazy. Perf. Various professional goalkeepers. Angelnight22, 18 Jan. 2006. Youtube Video, 2009.
Iker Casillas—Genius Goalkeeper. Perf. Iker Casillas. Jocosus, 16 Aug. 2006. Youtube Video, 2009.
Site Visit:
*I, Alex, am a goalkeeper myself, so I have also added my own personal knowledge of the trade through experience.*
A Brief History of Goalkeeping…. 21 Aug. 2005. The Goalkeeper Company. 8 March 2009. http://www.thegoalkeeperco.com/History.aspx?Pagename=History.
Goalkeeping Museum: The Art of Goalkeeping through the History of Football. 7 March 2009. http://www.goalkeeping-museum.com/.
Soccer.com>Goalkeeping. Eurosport: The Fabled Soccer Traders. 13 March 2009. http://www.soccer.com/Navigation.process?Srp=24&N=4294960223.
The Origins & History of the Great Game. 10 Oct. 2007. Athletic Scholorships. 8 March 2009. http://www.athleticscholarships.net/history-of-soccer.htm.
Top Goalkeeper Saves. Google Images—various images used. 13 March 2009. http://images.google.com/images?gbv=2&hl=en&q=Top+Goalkeeper+Saves.
Interview:
Orf, Otto. Personal Interview via e-mail. 12 March 2009.
Video:
Goalkeepers Are Crazy. Perf. Various professional goalkeepers. Angelnight22, 18 Jan. 2006. Youtube Video, 2009.
Iker Casillas—Genius Goalkeeper. Perf. Iker Casillas. Jocosus, 16 Aug. 2006. Youtube Video, 2009.
Site Visit:
*I, Alex, am a goalkeeper myself, so I have also added my own personal knowledge of the trade through experience.*
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