Soccer Goalkeeper's Skill, Techniques and

Goalie Training

by Steve September

Soccer Goalkeeper training is a world of its own. Since it is the only position on the field that allows the ball to be touched by the hands and arms.
The individual soccer goalie skills gives an advantage over all the other players on the field.
This makes training goalkeepers for soccer not only unique but challenging.

Soccer Goalkeepers are the last line of defence, and often the first line of the offense, depending on the style of play.
They will put their bodies in harms way to stop or block a shot on goal. They will dive in any direction to get the ball.
Training goalkeepers techniques is also a very physically and demanding challenge.
The most important thing to remember is the goalies mental state.
The only other player on the team who can be compared to the goalkeeper is a goal hungry striker. In fact some of the best goalies were also strikers.
There are often great one on one battles at all levels of competition between forwards and goalies.

Staying balanced and knowing the center of gravity of the body is vital to the goalkeeper.
This will improve the activity of the goalie and the state of readiness of the individual to make impressive gains in a game setting.

Most successful soccer goalkeepers are tall and thus have long arms and big hands. If a goalkeeper is short, they will usualy make up for the lack of height with good verticle and lateral mobility.
Remember that goalies have a great sense of self worth but still need to be motivated on a regular basis.
Soccer Goalkeepers need to do their general warm ups with the team, but then branch out and get worked on with the specific drills that will prepare them for the practice or game.

Goalkeepers are also the leaders of the teams and usually have dominant personalities. These individuals must be helped to fulfill this role by being placed in a vocal and demonstrative capacity.
They are definitly leaders in the 18 yard box, and should be allowed to gain respect from their team.
The ball can only be handled by the goalie in the 18 yard box, anyone else who is unfortunate to let the ball touch an arm, a free kick is given against. In the case of the goalkeepers team mate it is a penalty shot from "the spot".

Steve September of On The Ball Soccer Training has been involved in soccer for over forty years and on three continents. As a player, player coach and high performance coach Steve wants to share the knowledge and experiences with all levels of players and coaches involved in the soccer scene. Check out the philosophy and information at http://www.soccertrainingskills.com

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