Spotlight on Technical Training: 
Goalkeeping
Playing between the Sticks
 
Dear Coach,
 
I decided it was time for the attention to be focused on the one person who stands as the last line of defense and the first line of attack. It is very rare that I see teams, even at the highest levels providing the Goalkeepers with specific training related to the position.

So many excuses are often provided on why we neglect the person who pulls on the #1, from which all can be resolved and hopefully this newsletter will answer some of those problems for you, as well as help you build up interest amongst players to try and play this vital position.

I have had the wonderful opportunity to coach some great Goalkeepers and learn activities related to coaching Keepers from some excellent Goalkeeper coaches.

I invited these coaches to share their ideas, thoughts and opinions on how we can help coaches, teams and clubs develop a better program/curriculum for players interested playing in between the sticks.

 
Enjoy, see you at the Far Post!
Adrian Parrish
Kentucky Youth Soccer Director of Coach and Player Development

Four New Lesson Plan's

Below are four sample lesson plans that focus on goalkeeping:

As coaches you devote significant energy and time in providing the best opportunity for your players to experience and enjoy the game. It is very important that before you attend any practice session with your team that you have a structured plan in place.

Many coaches also like to build a library which the can use for the season, you can do this by writing your own plan out on a blank practice planning form (see sample Lesson Plan Form) or using other resources such as the Lesson Plans on the Kentucky Youth Soccer Association website.  

For more lesson plans, click here!
 
Identifying and Nurturing Young Goalkeepers
By Chris Hershey, Associate Director of Coaching for New York West YSA and Region I ODP Goalkeeper Coach
 
The inspiration for this article came from a question I am often asked; “I coach a U-12 team and not one of them wants to play in goal, what should I do?” While there is no instant solution, the response is simple. Require everyone to have a chance in goal, and, devote one practice out of every 5 to goalkeeping, where every player is a goalkeeper on that day. The usual response sounds something like; “well I don’t have a goalkeeper coach so who else can do it?” My answer; “you!” If we are willing to spend countless hours and untold amounts of money on learning how to teach dribbling, passing, receiving and shooting, then why not devote some of those precious resources to learning the basics of goalkeeping. Both the USSF and the NSCAA offer great courses designed to teach non-goalkeepers how to deal with this
position.
To read the entire article, click here.
 
Saving body shots
Keepers need to be ready to react to a shot at any time, especially when they've gone for long periods without having to do anything.

Concentration is a major factor, and the keeper always needs to be in a "ready" position.

It is not always possible, but holding on to the ball when making a save means the opposition cannot pounce on a rebound.

And with shots coming at different heights, there are different techniques for handling the ball.

To play the video clip, click here.
 
RECOMMENDED READING:
 
Soccer Goalkeeper Coach
Maarten Arts Paperback  /  221 Pages  /  Reedswain  /  October 2004  /  1591640792
List Price $14.95  

The role of the goalkeeper coach within the coaching staff is comprehensively brought to light. Goalkeeper coaches can take advantage of the practical information and the extensive training material collected in this book.

Topics covered include:

  • Age specific training
  • Evaluation, planning and scouting
  • Restarts (including penalties)
  • Dealing with crosses
  • Dealing with back passes
  • 1v1 duels
  • Match related exercises
  • and much, much more!

For more Recommended Books for Youth Soccer Coaches, click here!

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