The low hard shot to either side of the goalkeeper is commonly referred to as the "tweener". The ball is just far enough away to make the standing save impossible, but not so far as to require a diving save - it's somewhere in-between. From the ready position the goalkeeper moves laterally across the goal to intercept the ball. To save, the keeper extends the lead leg/foot parallel to the goal line and kneels on the trailing leg. The knee of the trailing leg and the heel of the lead foot should be only a few inches apart so that a misplayed ball cannot skip through the opening. From the kneeling position the keeper bends forward with shoulders square to the ball, and allows the ball to roll up onto the wrists and forearms before clutching it securely to the chest.
Performance Keys: The Tweener Save
Shuffle quickly across goal to meet ball
Extend lead leg and flex knee; kneel on trailing leg
Trailing leg positioned parallel to goal line
Square shoulders with ball, bend forward at waist with arms extended and palms up
