The ABC’s of
Coaching The Goalkeeper
The ABC’s of Coaching the
Goalkeeper
• The Myth
• Least Coached, Most Misunderstood
• Common Sense and Simple Principles of Play
What are the characteristics of a
good goalkeeper?
• Hand/Eye Coordination
• Depth Perception
Why is it important to understand
the needed skills?
• Under 8 years old don’t possess the skill
• Too Stressful
• Develop fear of the ball
The reason WHY AYSO does not have
goalkeepers before U-10
What are the challenges with goalkeeper
training during your session?
What do you do to include goalkeeper
training during your session?
What will be covered today?
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The Characteristics of a Goalkeeper
Basic Body Position of the Goalkeeper
Positional Play (Angles)
Methods of Collection
Methods of Distribution
Organizing the Defense
What Makes a good goalkeeper?
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Hand/eye coordination
Strength
Agility
Vision
Quickness
Confidence
Judgment
Decisive
Courage (not crazy)
Ability to take charge
and direct
• Concentration
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Certain skills and knowledge are
critical to developing the Goalkeeper
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Body Position (Proper Stance)
Positional Play
Methods of Collection
Methods of Distribution
Basic Body Position of the
Goalkeeper
Areas to focus on:
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Relaxed body
Waist bent
Feet positioning
Knees
Arms and Hands
Positional Play
• Keepers must understand positional play
• Understanding positional play = easier goalkeeping
• What can a goalkeeper do to make a player tame a
bad shot?
Positional Play
What are the key points for the goalkeeper as it
relates to positioning?
• 2 goal posts
• The ball
Goal #1
Goal #2
Methods of Collection
Keep as much of their body square to the ball as possible at all times.
Hand Positions:
– Hands in a comfortable position
– Half way up or down
– Use the same starting position all the time
Note:
With young players often the ball is too large for their hands. If they try to
catch the ball, it will slip through their hands and into the goal.
Teach the “W” for high balls and the “M” for balls below the waist.
Methods of Collection
Ground Balls
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Bend at the waist
Go to one knee
Keep eyes on the ball
Hands form the “M”
Ball runs over the hand and up the
arms
Gather the ball to the chest
Stand up straight
Put the ball away
Methods of Collection
High Balls
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Extend the arms and use the
hands to take speed of ball
Use the “W” hand extended
As the ball hits, bend elbows to
cushion the force of the shot
Put the ball away
Methods of Collection
Waist high balls
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Catch with the body
Body collapses/ Takes force
Arms to make a pocket
Try not to catch it with their hands
Put the ball away
Goalkeeper Distribution
Technical Coaching Points Hands and Feet
Goalkeeper Distribution
Bowling
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Accurate short
Cradled with hand and
forearm
Step towards & bring arm back
Swing arm low to the ground
Quick & Smooth
Follow through
Goalkeeper Distribution
Baseball Throw
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Intermediate style
Palm of the throwing hand
Keeper steps toward target
Body gets low to the ground
Ball is thrown hard and low
Follow through
Ball may skip
Goalkeeper Distribution
Sling Throw
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Medium/Long range
Side Position
Point towards target
Cradle Ball
Keep arm straight
Release point
Backspin
Follow through
Goalkeeper Distribution
Half Volley
• Long, quick, and manageable distribution
• Timing is the key
• The ball must be struck just as it hits the ground
• Too early?
• Too late ?
• Release of the ball
• Plant foot
• Kicking foot/leg swings straight back
• Upper body
• The kicking leg swings forward with the toe pointed down
• The contact surface on the foot is the middle to upper foot on the
laces
Goalkeeper Distribution
Punting
• Can release ball with either or
both hands
• Head down, eyes focused on
the ball
• Backswing with kicking leg
• Plant foot aimed at target
• Plant leg slightly bent
• Contact point is the laces of the
shoe
• Ankle locked
• Follow through
Organizing the Defense &
Goalkeeper Communication
• Communicating is key
• Try to reduce goalkeeper action
• Evaluate on shots on goal, not saves
Teach Your Keepers To:
Play The Position
NOT
Perform The Position
Organizing the Defense
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Keepers that can READ the game…
Last line of defense
Best vision of the game
Develop attack
How Should the Keeper
Communicate?
Voice should be:
• Loud
• Calm
• Clear
• Concise
Goalkeeper Communication
The goalkeeper must develop a glossary of
terms that the team can agree on and
understand the exact meaning of each term.
Goalkeeper Communication
“Keeper”
“Pressure ball”
“Away”
“Cover”
“Contain”
“Balance”
“Tackle”
“Step up”
“Push up/out”
“Drop”
“Push left/right”
“Track your runner”
“Don’t dive in”
“Stand him/her up”
Goalkeeper Communication
• Communication must be precise - Not confusing
• In order to eliminate confusion, it is imperative to
put a name to a specific job.
“Jack, get goal side of #10” (good example)
“Mark up!” (poor example)
Diagram #1: What should be said?
Diagram #2: What should be said?
Goalkeeper Communication
Keepers should:
• Avoid “cheerleading“ – it’s not productive
• Avoid yelling at teammates
• Give support to their defenders
• Critique sparingly
Note:
How would the keeper feel after giving up a “soft” goal?
In this session we have covered:
Characteristics of a Goalkeeper
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Basic Body Position of the Goalkeeper
Positional Play (Angles)
Methods of Collection
Methods of Distribution
Organizing the Defense
Remember:
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Keepers need different training than field players
Take the time to work with them
You may have to set up a separate session
Give them your attention coach; your team will
reap the benefits.
From the psychological and physical standpoints, the keeper
occupies what may be the most difficult and important of all
team positions.
Topflight goalkeepers combine a proper approach to the game
with outstanding physical ability. But, remember you are working
with new goalkeepers. Take your time and be patient, they will
make mistakes but they will learn from their mistakes.
It is up to you coach:
Teach Them To Be Keepers – NOT Goalies!!
Questions?