Irondequoit Soccer Club Coaches Workshop

Sunday, April 10, 2005

All Star Sports Arena, Irondequoit, NY

Coaching the Youth Goalkeeper

Chris Hershey

Director of Coaching

Irondequoit Soccer Club

Until recently, the soccer goalkeeper, particularly the young goalkeeper, has been the most neglected player in all of sport. Even by today's standards, young goalkeepers still do not always receive the attention that they need. It is well understood that for those who have never played in goal, coaching keepers can be very difficult. Because of this, it is very important that coaches of young teams strive to become proficient in the basics of goalkeeping and more importantly, understand the psychological dimension of the position. Coaches need to learn to identify weaknesses and how to positively work towards correcting them. Young keepers in particular do not need to be reminded that they were just scored on or always told that they need to try harder. The coach, as well as the entire team, needs to understand that when a goal is scored, everyone on the field can be held responsible in one way or another. The following is a list of basic principles to keep in mind when training the young goalkeeper:

  1. Keep it fun. It is a difficult position to begin with so eliminate as much stress as possible. It is very easy to discourage a youngster from playing in goal. Stay Positive
  2. Keep it simple. Do not over coach. Stick to the fundamentals, they need to begin to be mastered at a young age. Correct repetition of basic skills is important.
  3. No full time keepers before the age of 12. At such a young and impressionable age, one should gain as much experience as they can. This will help to develop a sense of respect and understanding for all positions on the field. Never force a player into goal. Avoid "sticking" kids in goal because of physical characteristics.
  4. 75% mental, 25% physical. A consistent mentality/personality leads to consistent performance. The best keepers are those who learn to control and re-direct the energy of their emotions. "Small" keepers can learn to play big.
  5. The bottom line… the ball stays out of the net. It does not always have to look pretty. Proper technique is very important but sometimes needs to take a back seat to practicality.

As stated earlier, mastery of fundamental skills is a very large piece of the goalkeeping puzzle. Listed below are what coaches should focus on when training young keepers:

  1. Starting Position: Feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, weight is forward while lightly bouncing on the balls of the feet. It is very important that keepers learn that their weight must be forward at all times; keep your nose in front of your toes. Hands are either at sides with palms facing out or in front of body, rib high, palms out.
  2. Set: Feet must be set the split second before the ball is struck. This will ensure that the keeper will be able to react to the shot and that the muscles of the legs will be “loaded” to explode. This is a timing issue.
  3. Shuffling: Lateral mobility is very important. Same as starting position but lower center of gravity, do not cross legs or click heels or bounce. Try to keep an even center of gravity.
  4. Soft Hands: W-catch- Arms extended to meet ball, slight bend in elbows help to break impact of shot. Do not slap at ball. Fingers bent slightly, hands cupped, thumbs together forming a W with thumbs/index fingers. Thumbs must be behind the ball, fingers wrap around the sides.
  5. Basket Catch: Shot rolling on ground- As ball approaches, GK brings feet together, bends from the waist, extends arms/hands to scoop ball into chest, arms vertical and parallel. Do not encourage keepers to fall to their knees. Keep the barrier behind the ball as big as possible. FEET TOGETHER.
  6. Basket Catch: Shot at mid-section- same as above except ball should strike forearms first rather hands first. Forearms provide a stronger barrier, shock absorption and guide ball to chest/hands. Feet can stay at shoulder width.
  7. Angle play/Positioning: Especially for very young keepers, the top half of the goal is almost impossible to cover, yet, we must maximize our ability so stop all shots. Encourage keepers to be aggressive off their line but to play within their range. To cover proper angles, keepers should always be straddling the ball line. This is an imaginary line drawn from the ball to the center of the goal. Stay mobile, encourage keepers to stay on their feet as much as possible, avoid unnecessary diving.
  8. Communication: Very young keepers should not be expected to verbally direct the play of their teammates, yet they need to learn to take control of their area. Two simple commands are all that is needed at first; "keeper", and "away". The first is the command of the GK that he or she is taking the ball, the second is the signal that the GK can not win the ball and needs it cleared away. The entire team must understand and respect these signals.
  9. Distribution: Goal kicks should always be taken by the keeper. Throwing should be of a windmill(overhand) or baseball technique. Strictly limit sidearm throws as they are often inaccurate and difficult to control. Proper spin and pace is crucial. A rolled ball should never bounce but zip across the grass. Choose the method of distribution that allows the ball to reach its target as quickly and as controlled as possible.
  10. Collapse dive/ Breakaway: Goalkeepers must learn to save these types of services at forward angles and with their hands first. Footwork and timing here are critical. The keepers last step, called the power step, must be with the foot closest to the ball and at a forward angle towards the ball. Shoulders and hands must be forward of the body and shoot to the ball from a low position. This takes bravery from the keeper.
  11. High/Crossed Balls: Be sure to save as high as possible. Leave late, arrive early. Timing is critical, be patient on crossed balls. Attack the ball whenever possible, take the shortest rout. Communicate early and with a commanding tone. Starting position is mid to back third of goal for crosses/corners. Drive hands and knee high to help lift body. Be sure to focus on the ball rather than the attacking players in and around the goal area.

The following is an overview of the 10 key considerations of goalkeeping:

  1. The hands: All goalkeepers must establish a sound handling technique to be successful.
  2. Shape: Body shape and posture are critical.
  3. Ever-Ready
  4. Staying on feet as long as possible: Do not leave them unless absolutely necessary.
  5. Secondary cover: Staying big to make second/third saves as necessary. Creating a large barrier at the proper angles.
  6. Set to save.
  7. Anticipate whenever possible, react when necessary.
  8. Recovery: The recovery of a GK is crucial. Train to play until the ball is dead.
  9. Decisions, Communication, Organization: Teach keepers to be decisive, as they play, they will learn to make the correct decision more often than not, but they must make a decision and live with it. Keepers must learn to organize well in order to limit scoring chances and enhance overall team effectiveness.
  10. Be the first attacker: develop an attitude that allows the GK to take a larger and more effective role in team attack.