Understanding Goalkeeper Statistics in Handball

Goalkeepers are often evaluated by a single number: save percentage. While useful, this metric alone doesn't tell the full story. A goalkeeper facing 20 difficult shots from close range isn't the same as one facing 20 speculative long-range attempts. Here's how to properly evaluate your goalkeeper's performance.

Save Percentage: The Basics

Save percentage is calculated as: (Saves ÷ Shots Faced) × 100

If a goalkeeper faces 30 shots and saves 10, that's a 33% save rate. At the professional level, goalkeepers typically save between 30-40% of shots. Below 30% is concerning; above 40% is excellent.

But here's the problem: not all shots are equal.

Shot Difficulty

A shot from the 9-meter line with a defender in the way is very different from a penalty or a fast break one-on-one. Goalkeepers facing more difficult shots will have lower save percentages even if they're performing well.

To properly evaluate a goalkeeper, consider the types of shots they face:

• Penalties (7m): High conversion rate (~75%). Saving 25%+ is good.
• Fast breaks: Very difficult. Saving 20%+ is solid.
• Wing shots: Tight angles. Save rate varies by angle.
• 6-meter shots: Close range, difficult but stoppable.
• 9-meter shots: More time to react. Higher save rates expected.

Save Percentage by Zone

Breaking down saves by shot location reveals patterns. Maybe your goalkeeper is excellent at stopping shots to the left but weak on the right. Maybe they struggle with low shots. This information is actionable—it tells you what to work on in training.

Track saves in a 3x3 grid representing the goal: top-left, top-center, top-right, and so on. Over multiple matches, you'll see clear tendencies.

Goals Prevented Above Average

An advanced metric borrowed from other sports: compare your goalkeeper's performance to what an "average" goalkeeper would have done facing the same shots.

If an average goalkeeper would save 10 of 30 shots (33%), and your goalkeeper saved 13, they "prevented" 3 goals above average. If they only saved 7, they're -3.

This accounts for shot difficulty and gives a clearer picture of goalkeeper impact.

Timing and Momentum

Not all saves are equally valuable. A save in the last minute of a one-goal game is worth more than a save when you're up by 10. While hard to quantify, pay attention to when your goalkeeper makes (or misses) key saves.

Some goalkeepers raise their game in crucial moments. Others become nervous. Track saves in close games versus blowouts to see if there's a pattern.

Distribution and Court Play

Modern goalkeepers contribute beyond shot-stopping. They start fast breaks with quick outlet passes and can even score (though rare). While harder to track, consider:

• How often do their outlet passes lead to fast break opportunities?
• Do they make smart decisions with the ball after saves?
• Are their throws accurate, or do they create turnovers?

Sample Size Matters

Goalkeeper statistics are noisy. A keeper might save 5 of 10 shots in one match (50%) and 2 of 12 in the next (17%). That's not necessarily a performance change—it's variance.

Don't overreact to single-match statistics. Look at trends over 5-10 matches minimum before drawing conclusions about a goalkeeper's level.