The ABC’s of Coaching The Goalkeeper. The ABC’s of Coaching the Goalkeeper The Myth Least Coached, Most Misunderstood Common Sense and Simple Principles

The ABC’s of Coaching The Goalkeeper

The ABC’s of Coaching the Goalkeeper

• The Myth• Least Coached, Most Misunderstood• Common Sense and Simple Principles of

Play

What are the characteristics of a good goalkeeper?

• Hand/Eye Coordination• Depth Perception

Why is it important to understand the needed skills?

• Under 8 years old don’t possess the skill

• Too Stressful• Develop fear of the ball

The reason WHY AYSO does not have goalkeepers before U-10

What are the challenges with goalkeeper training during your

session?

What do you do to include goalkeeper training during your

session?

What will be covered today?

• The Characteristics of a Goalkeeper• Basic Body Position of the Goalkeeper• Positional Play (Angles)• Methods of Collection• Methods of Distribution• Organizing the Defense

What Makes a good goalkeeper?

Certain skills and knowledge are critical to developing the

Goalkeeper • Body Position (Proper Stance)• Positional Play• Methods of Collection• Methods of Distribution

Basic Body Position of the Goalkeeper

• Relaxed body• Waist bent• Feet positioning• Knees• Arms and Hands

Areas to focus on:

Positional Play

• Keepers must understand positional play• Understanding positional play = easier

goalkeeping • What can a goalkeeper do to make a

player tame a bad shot?

Positional Play

What are the key points for the goalkeeper as it relates to positioning?

• 2 goal posts• The ball

Goal #1 Goal #2

Methods of Collection

Keep as much of their body square to the ball as possible at all times.

Hand Positions:– Hands in a comfortable position – Half way up or down – Use the same starting position all the time

Note:With young players often the ball is too large for their hands. If they try to catch the ball, it will slip through their hands and into the goal.

Teach the “W” for high balls and the “M” for balls below the waist.

• Bend at the waist• Go to one knee• Keep eyes on the ball• Hands form the “M”• Ball runs over the hand and up

the arms• Gather the ball to the chest• Stand up straight• Put the ball away

Ground Balls


High Balls

• Extend the arms and use the hands to take speed of ball

• Use the “W” hand extended• As the ball hits, bend elbows

to cushion the force of the shot

• Put the ball away


Waist high balls

• Catch with the body• Body collapses/ Takes force• Arms to make a pocket• Try not to catch it with their

hands• Put the ball away


Goalkeeper DistributionTechnical Coaching Points Hands and

Feet

Bowling• Accurate short • Cradled with hand and

forearm• Step towards & bring

arm back• Swing arm low to the

ground• Quick & Smooth• Follow through

Goalkeeper Distribution

Baseball Throw• Intermediate style • Palm of the throwing

hand• Keeper steps toward

target• Body gets low to the

ground• Ball is thrown hard and

low• Follow through• Ball may skip


Sling Throw

• Medium/Long range• Side Position• Point towards target• Cradle Ball • Keep arm straight• Release point• Backspin• Follow through


• Long, quick, and manageable distribution• Timing is the key

• The ball must be struck just as it hits the ground• Too early?• Too late ?

• Release of the ball• Plant foot • Kicking foot/leg swings straight back • Upper body• The kicking leg swings forward with the toe pointed

down • The contact surface on the foot is the middle to upper

foot on the laces


Half Volley

Punting• Can release ball with

either or both hands • Head down, eyes focused

on the ball

• Backswing with kicking leg • Plant foot aimed at target • Plant leg slightly bent• Contact point is the laces

of the shoe • Ankle locked• Follow through


Organizing the Defense & Goalkeeper Communication

• Communicating is key• Try to reduce goalkeeper action• Evaluate on shots on goal, not saves

Play The Position

NOT

Perform The Position

Teach Your Keepers To:

Organizing the Defense

• Keepers that can READ the game…• Last line of defense• Best vision of the game• Develop attack

How Should the Keeper Communicate?

Voice should be:

• Loud• Calm• Clear• Concise

Goalkeeper Communication

The goalkeeper must develop a glossary of terms that the team can agree on and understand the exact

meaning of each term.



• Communication must be precise - Not confusing

• In order to eliminate confusion, it is imperative to put a name to a specific job.

“Jack, get goal side of #10” (good example)

“Mark up!” (poor example)

Diagram #1: What should be said?

Diagram #2: What should be said?


Keepers should:• Avoid “cheerleading“ – it’s not productive • Avoid yelling at teammates• Give support to their defenders• Critique sparingly

Note:How would the keeper feel after giving up a “soft” goal?

In this session we have covered:

Characteristics of a Goalkeeper• Basic Body Position of the Goalkeeper• Positional Play (Angles)• Methods of Collection• Methods of Distribution• Organizing the Defense

Remember:

1. Keepers need different training than field players

2. Take the time to work with them3. You may have to set up a separate

session4. Give them your attention coach; your

team will reap the benefits.

From the psychological and physical standpoints, the keeper occupies what may be the most difficult and important of all team positions.

Topflight goalkeepers combine a proper approach to the game with outstanding physical ability. But, remember you are working with new goalkeepers. Take your time and be patient, they will make mistakes but they will learn from their mistakes.

It is up to you coach:

Teach Them To Be Keepers – NOT Goalies!!

Questions?

Documents

The ABC’s of Coaching The Goalkeeper. The ABC’s of Coaching the Goalkeeper The Myth Least Coached, Most Misunderstood Common Sense and Simple Principles