Areas of Concentration

TECHNICAL

The Goalkeeper must master the technical skills required for the position through quality training, repetition, and effective coaching. Like outfield players, the goalkeeper needs these variables in a controlled environment (goalkeeper training) to master his technical skills. Technical areas of concentration are:

  • Footwork
  • Set Position
  • Catching
  • Diving
  • Crosses
  • Distribution

TACTICAL

Two main areas that encompass “tactics” in regards to goalkeeping are:

  1. Decision-Making: Decisions need to be made in a split second without hesitation. Making a wrong decision more often than not results in goals being scored as the goalkeeper is the last line of defense.
  2. Command of the Penalty Area: The goalkeeper is the “leader” and “eyes” of the team as they have a view of the entire field (your team, opposing team, and ball). The goalkeeper can evaluate and “control” situations with proper communication that will eliminate many potentially dangerous situations.

PHYSICAL

The goalkeeper is clearly a different type of athlete compared to the outfield players. A goalkeeper runs far less and covers a much shorter area of the field compared to the outfield players. The goalkeeper must possess quick reflexes, be very agile, and rely on explosive movements to do his job effectively. In addition to these attributes, they must train his/her body to endure the “beating” from shot stopping, diving, collisions, and crosses. The goalkeeper must possess the following:

  • Athleticism
  • Explosiveness
  • Strength
  • Power
  • Speed
  • Quickness
  • Endurance
  • Mobility
  • Coordination
  • Flexibility
  • Stretching

PSYCHOLOGICAL

The goalkeeper is a very isolated and lonely spot on the field. The majority of the game is spent observing alone what is going on and not being involved very much with the run of play. The time the goalkeeper is involved usually is the difference between a goal being scored or not. If mistakes are made by the goalkeeper, they are magnified as his/her errors usually result in goals. The goalkeeper needs to be focused at all times to deal with these stressful situations with composure and confidence.

Top goalkeepers are:

  • Motivated: Competitive & want to play the position.
  • Competitive: Striving each day to improve & win every activity for yourself/your team.
  • Confident: Self-belief & faith in your ability to excel.
  • Leaders: Must observe, guide, and support the team.
  • Great Communicators
  • Mentally Tough: Do you have grit? Must be able to forget mistakes, recover quickly, and move on within the game.
  • Courageous & Brave: Disregard for bodily harm in order to make the save.