Train Like a Pro... Goalkeeper.

There are three types of people who work with their hands

People who build and move things using their hands, people who use their hands and minds to create things and people who use their hands, minds, and hearts. These people are called goalkeepers.

They use their hands to control the ball and to communicate, their minds to make challenging decisions, and their hearts to express their passion for the art of goalkeeping!

Goalkeepers are not better than anyone else, but they are very special and unique people.

The goalkeeper is arguably the most important position on the field. A goalkeeper can win a game with one brilliant save or become the villain with a mistimed dive. The nature of the position requires agility, speed, athleticism, confidence, bravery and good communication skills.

Sergio Taborda

For decades, goalkeepers were expected to train alone or were often simply blended into the regular practice sessions with very little attention being provided to the goalkeepers specific needs. Goalkeepers are different from outfield players and must be trained accordingly.

Specialized training is needed for specialized positions. The role of the goalkeeper has changed more than any other position in recent years. With the introduction of the back-pass rule, goalkeepers are required to be as comfortable as outfield players with the ball at their feet. 

 

 

 

 

Sergio Taborda

Goalkeepers are the last line of defense. They should think like sweeper backs and use the full range of the defensive third of the field. Goalkeepers are the first line of attack. Quality distribution is vital for counter-attacking.

Keepers must possess a wide range of distribution skills in the area of kicking and throwing. Good hands are unusable without quick feet. Footwork is the key to all good shot stopping and catching.

Sergio Taborda

Communication between a goalkeeper and the team is critical for good organization. Whether it be setting up a defensive wall or calling for a high ball, the goalkeeper must be commanding, confident and clear. Bravery is a pre-requisite to play in goal at any level. Unlike outfield players, there are rarely second chances to win the ball in a one v one situation.

Your goalkeepers should be challenged at each practice session. With good planning and organization you can easily implement a specific training regimen. Your goal should be to challenge them to a level of technical excellence.

Sergio Taborda

It is also of paramount importance that you understand how quality technique is developed. "Practice does not make perfect" rather "practice makes permanent." This holds true for both good and bad training. The quantity of practices must never be more important than the quality of practices. Keep your sessions simple, intense and short. To reach a level of technical perfection, the technique must be isolated and performed until it becomes habit.  

Three important components should be applied when training your keepers.

1. Repetition:

Repetition is important in developing the motor memory patterns to enable the goalkeeper to execute each technique automatically, without thinking, so this becomes an ingrained habit. The practices should be designed to ensure that goalkeeper is getting as many touches on the ball as possible.

2. Consistent Quality:

Evelyn Merz

Repetition can be a dangerous thing if the skill is being rehearsed incorrectly. The mechanics involved in each execution of the technique must be accurate and consistent. Aim for an 80% success rate. The coach must be the facilitator in ensuring that poor technique is detected early and precise information is provided to the goalkeeper to correct the problem. The coach must know the mechanical movements involved in each goalkeeping technique to be able to correct those techniques.

3. Explosive Movements:

As soon as possible the goalkeeper must practice the technique at a speed that simulates match play. Slow practices will develop slow goalkeepers and up-tempo practices will develop fast and explosive goalkeepers. Never sacrifice quality for speed when practicing technique.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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