Skills of the Game: The Penalty Save with Gary Maguire

Is there any more daunting a scenario in Gaelic Games than staring down the barrel of a 20-metre shot from some of the finest dead ball strikers of the ball in hurling?

The penalty save is one of the most spectacular skills in hurling, practiced by goalkeepers and defenders alike, requiring split-second reactions, bravery and natural instincts.

In the accompanying photo, one of the best exponents of the skill, Dublin goalkeeper Gary Maguire, spectacularly demonstrated the art of the penalty save, showing remarkable reactions to block a shot from Offaly forward Joe Bergin in the Allianz Hurling League Division One game game at O'Connor Park on March 6.

Here, Gary outlines some of the elements involved in executing the skill.

“It’s really all about reaction because the shot could be fired at you anywhere. People say to get the body behind the ball, but it is really about pure instinct and reaction. You have to be on your toes, bulge the eyes and be really alert.

“You see some players go high, just underneath the crossbar. Some go to my left because I am left-handed. The top players do place the ball in the very hardest position.”

“You look at the body position or whatever way a player is looking at the ball, but to be honest you don’t really know. It’s all about reaction.”

Deciding on who stands on the line

“For 21-yard frees and penalties there are four or five lads who are always nominated. Picking the lads is straightforward. Last Sunday, in the Allianz League game against Waterford, it was Johnny McCaffrey and Simon Lambert and both of them have played in goals before. That was a big influence on the decision to bring those two lads in.”

Be prepared

“I generally have four goalkeepers’ hurls – one for myself and one each for the lads. Some of them don’t want to use the hurl with the big bas, they prefer to use their own. But they are there if they want them.”

Practice makes perfect

“We do practice them a fair bit, but it is generally coming up to Championship that you get time to practice them a bit more. The training at that time of the year is a bit different and is not as physical. At this time of year it is all about getting your fitness levels up.”

Be confident and expect the unexpected

“In your own head, you expect to save every ball, no matter if it is a shot or a penalty or a 21-yard free. You just prepare yourself for the possibility of anything happening – especially in hurling.”