Diamonds are a goalie’s best friend … diamond catches, that is.

Also known as the contour catch, a goalie uses the diamond catch when the ball is coming in at chest height or higher. And it’s so-named because you create a diamond shape with the thumbs and index fingers, which prevents the ball from flying through your hands. 

Here’s the move: As the ball comes in, extend your arms forward in front of the body with elbows slightly bent. Be sure to get your body behind the ball first, if you can — to avoid reaching — and to meet the ball in front of your body, so your arms have some give. Then bring the ball to your chest right away to protect it.