Goalkeeper Training

The goalkeeper program will have training segments to focus on the technical, tactical, physical and psychological dimensions of goalkeeping. Emphasis will be placed on developing good fundamentals and preparation for the demands of competitive play.

The Hoover Soccer Club goalkeeper program is part of the year round competitive training for “developing great goalkeepers.”  Goalkeeper development activities will focus on the physical, technical, tactical and psychological dimensions. Training sessions are age specific and conducted in small groups to provide the best opportunities for development.

Goalkeeper Development Guidelines

Physical Dimension

Attributes

Strong hands
Recovery re: Agility, Flexibility, Quickness
Jumping
Strength and Endurance

Overall Coaching Recommendations

Routine focus on fitness to ensure that our keepers can compete under all conditions.
Development activities include: improving hands and upper body strength to hold onto balls under contact; improving vertical jumping ability (i.e., legs and abdominals); and improving overall stamina, flexibility and agility to meet the demands of goalkeeping.

Technical Dimension

Attributes

Shot Stopping re: Receiving, Parrying, and Boxing the Ball
Movement, Footwork and Balance
Body Alignment and Shape
Playing the Ball with the Feet
Positioning
Through Balls, Breakaway Saves
Crossed Balls

Overall Coaching Recommendations

Spend considerable time on goalkeeper shot stopping technique. This includes regular focus on:
Setting for shots with good alignment and the proper body shape.
Keeping body shape beginning with proper placement of the “first step”.
Always attacking the ball by maintaining a forward position and by “stealing space”.
Develop technique for defending through balls and crossed balls.
Routinely provide “quality shots” for the goalkeeper to defend during practice. Players “play as they train”. So, we need to ensure that our keepers are training in “game realistic” situations.

Tactical Dimensions

Attributes

Decision-making
“First Attacker” re: Distributions, Changing the Direction and Tempo of Play
Defending Set Plays
Awareness of Team Formations
Knowledge of the Game

Overall Coaching Recommendations

Decision-making is the key to great goalkeeping. Coaches need to improve the keeper’s opportunities to learn and experience what works and what doesn’t in a repetitive, realistic environment. Some suggestions:
Increase the intensity of keeper training.
Make all training situations game realistic.
Discuss game tactics and team strategy with your keeper.
Routinely review set play considerations.
Have your keepers watch and evaluate as many games as you can. They will learn a lot from watching

Psychological Dimension

Attributes

Leadership
Communication
Composure Under Pressure
Confidence and Courage
Presence

Overall Coaching Recommendations

Communication is another attribute of great keepers. A confident, knowledgeable keeper who makes good decisions is more likely to communicate well. Some areas to focus on:
Emphasize the importance of communication, “all the time, every time!”
Have keepers maintain a “presence” both on and off the field.
Demand that our keepers always lead by example.
“Keeper confidence and composure is directly related to good decision-making and timely communication.”