Position of the Month - Goalkeeper
We can all kick a ball, join a scrimmage or two and many of us have a lot of games ‘under our uniforms’. However, some of us know only our position (or not as the case may be!) and little about other roles within the team. So, lets take a look at the main requirements of a number of positions on the field. Starting with…
Character:
Composure: it is important when dealing with pressure situations not to transmit panic to the defense and to be able to concentrate during potentially long periods of inactivity.
Confidence: everyone loves a confident ‘keeper because it spreads through the team and you also need to be confident in yourself because there are likely to be lots of ups and downs.
Determination: to succeed and improve. Sorry, but goalkeepers are hard done by and often have to do a lot of training work on their own or in small groups. Fortunately, however, there are more goalkeeper coaches than there used to be.
Physical Attributes:
Height: being tall is definitely an advantage, especially if you intend to make it at the top level. At lower levels you can normally make up for lack of height through good technique and agility.
Co-ordination: it’s not just about moving your hands, you will generally have to move your body to make the save and keep your ‘shape’ in relation to the ball, even when diving.
Footwork: you need ‘quick feet’ to get into position to make a save (side-ways shuffles, forward and backward movements).
Techniques:
Handling: the base of any keeper’s training. ‘Keepers and coaches will talk of ‘Good Hands’ or ‘soft hands’ and they will not be referring to your recent manicure.
Handle the ball as much as possible in training. Cutting out rebounds is important. Some top keepers can cushion a ball so expertly in their hands they make a catch without it making a sound! Can you?
Distribution: you will be required to take goal kicks, throw out, kick out, receive back passes and sweep behind the defense. Remember it is important to KEEP
Possession. Training with your team mates is good for making sure you are comfortable on the ball (Silke Rottenberg of Germany always supports her defense and her passing is always spot on. Barthez and Schmeichel were known for their quickness of thought as they could get attacks underway with a quick throw).
Shot stopping: you need quick feet, quick reactions, a good angle and agility.
Top Tips
1. Watch and learn from as many top ‘keepers as you can. Play often and learn to ‘read the game’.
2. Communicate. There are many good goalkeepers but not enough good communicators, so being heard is a good way to stand out in a game, trial or training.
3. ‘Come hard, come late, come fast.’ No, don’t giggle. This should be your mantra when it comes to taking crosses.
Area of Field Covered
A Goalkeeper plays in the 18 yard area, though may be asked to sweep up attacks outside of her area
Further Reading: Goalkeeping Training Manual by Tony DiCicco; Only the Goalkeeper to Beat by Francis Hodgson; The Soccer Goalkeeper (3rd Edition) by Joseph A. Luxbacher, Gene Klein
Coaches: For information on courses to help develop goalkeepers, check out the NSCAA’s Goalkeeping Institute.