You are reading a single comment by @GoodAdes and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
London Fixed Gear and Single-Speed is a community of predominantly fixed gear and single-speed cyclists in and around London, UK.
This site is supported almost exclusively by donations. Please consider donating a small amount regularly.
@GoodAdes
Although I do tend to gravitate to the goal, and it originally was due to a lack of confidence with regards to gameplay, I've come to learn the value and satisfaction of strong defense. In throw-ins, though, you can often find yourself in a position where nobody is willing to cover goal (generally when you're in a team of "strikers") and a game goes by too quickly when the other team can score off the break-away. Hense, defense will at least extend time in play (which is valuable when you only get 2-3 games a night).
I don't see the problem in learning how to defend early on, as it allows you to develop strong over-all play by the time you've become a confident and fast striker. And weaker players really appreciate a veteran who's willing to take some time in goal for you.
As far as goal keeping, I think mallet swiping the goalie should be allowed. With regards to reffing this, if a goal ref can be expected to determine the subtle differences between shuffles, rebounds, goals, etc., then it should be apparent when a swipe is appropriate or not. Lets not turn this into a game where we all need titanium mallets! ;)