How to Coach Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers who use incorrect goalkeeping techniques can allow many goals and cause their teams to lose games. Correct goalkeeping techniques result in fewer goals allowed and can lead to a league championship. The National Soccer Association of America supports the use of drills to develop the proper techniques of goalkeeping. These drills are applicable to youth soccer participants as well as Olympians and professional soccer players. Players who have confidence in the ability of their goalkeeper can concentrate on the development of their own skills, such as passing and scoring goals.

Things You'll Need

  • Soccer balls
  • Soccer goals
  • Poles
  • Flags
  • Cones
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mark an area that is 24 yards wide and 24 yards long. Use poles or flags to mark the field boundaries. Set up soccer goals at each end of the field. Use cones to mark the goal areas if goal are not available. The goalkeeper should catch balls that are waist-level or above with his hands. If the balls are below the waist-level, he should play them with his feet.

    • 2

      Choose four players. Designate one player as the goalkeeper and three players as defense men. Have the three defense men kick soccer balls to to the goalkeeper, one at a time. Including goalkeepers in team drills results in more enjoyment for the goalkeeper. He feels that he is an important part of the team. Also, he feels more responsible for the outcome after a team victory. The goalkeeper should stand with his knees bent slightly and the palms of his hands open.

    • 3

      Remove all players from the field. Select two goalkeepers. Have the goalkeepers kick a ball at each other in a one-on-one drill. This develops stamina, which is important in games extended by penalty time. The drill also develops their concentration, which aids in the defense of penalty kicks. Replace the goalkeepers with two other players. This will develop their appreciation of goalkeeping skills.

    • 4

      Explain that goalkeepers must increase their ability to use their hands quickly. They must remain alert at all times and anticipate what will happen before it occurs. They should always think "one step ahead" of the action. Stress the importance of staying upright. Goalkeepers must avoid diving at the ball unnecessarily. If an opponent fakes a shot on goal, the goalkeeper who dives at the ball prematurely will be unable to defend a real shot.