Goalkeeper Training, How Different Is It?

A Goalkeeper can be a spectator for most of a match and yet when called into action must be ready and focused to stop the opposing teams attack in the blink of an eye. However, during training the Goalkeeper is often over looked, is this the case in your team?

I was very fortunate when I played as a youngster in that I had a coach who understood the importance of specific training for the goalkeeper.

Sometimes you are so focused on improving your outfield players that you forget about your goalkeeper... a simple shooting session or some penalties at the end of training is not enough!

However, we should all (and I include myself here!always give enough time to help you goalkeeper develop their skills and performance.

Giving your goalkeeper an individual training process that helps them develop their understanding of the game, technical ability, improve on their weaker areas and play to their strengths will increase their overall technique on the pitch.

The conditioning of your goalkeeper should focus on all of these aspects both on their own and in team environment to enable them to develop to their full potential.

During your training sessions you should work on the goalkeeping basics that encompass the use of the head, hands and feet. This will ensure your keeper has excellent positioning and body alignment.

From your observations during games, arrange sessions where the outfield players recreate attacking scenarios from games, this ensures that the goal keeper and defenders must work as a unit.

It's important to work on technique with your goalkeeper before they enter a full blown game.

We have compiled checklist for you of the key things that we try to coach our keepers on in all training sessions...

#1 Always work on handling and footwork skills

#2 Develop good footwork through controlled foot movements

#3 Make quick and positive decisions when dealing with a shot

#4 Respect every shot that is attempted

#5 Concentrate throughout the session or game

#6 Build self image, confidence and communication skills

#7 Develop a variety of distribution skills

#8 Read the game, keep watch on everything happening in front, to the sides and behind them

#9 Give plenty of technical practice saving

#10 Build a positive attitude and faith in their goal keeping ability

So, there are 10 top tips that we try to build into our training sessions to ensure that we have an excellent keeper as well as outfield players.

In your next training session I recommend you print off this article and take it to the session with you and see which points you are covering now with your keeper and which ones you need to work on.

You may be surprised.

By: Neil Stafford

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