A classic move by experienced goalkeeper at the last second illustrates one of the final options when the basket is exposed to an almost certain shot.
Alex Karlsson, a large, strong and skilled player, had gotten the ball near his own basket and managed to sprint alone to the opposing side. Just as he was about to score, at the last second a single defender came upon him from above. Palm was far too late to cover the basket well. Instead of rushing, he actually slowed at the last moment, making certain to neither touch Karlsson nor extend his hands into sight. Everything boiled down to concealment and timing.
Just as the ball crossed the plane over the goal, Palm shot out both hands. His long arms outstretched, he grabbed the ball and with a single motion he used it as a pivot point to twist himself on to the goal. His position was hardly tight but Karlsson had also to wrestle to maintain possession. For brief eternity there was a hard struggle. And then suddenly the oxygen exhausted Karlsson broke off his attempt and went up for air.
Palm did not go up for in Karlsson’s place there was a new assailant replacing Palm. Marlene (Melle) Kaas , a former Swedish women’s national team player was trying to slip it in the cracks. Palm refused to give up the fight. The two tumbled away from goal and I think Palm took it away.
It was a lesson on how to defend when there is no time to get on to the goal.