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