By Philip Cauchi
Question - We don't have a goalkeeper coach, so I have to do all the GK training. I have to get this done in regular training sessions with the team, so do you have any ideas for me to get my goalkeeper training done at the same time as my players?
The practices shown hereunder all include the goalkeeper within team training. If you want to focus on the goalkeeper for a part of the session you may do so using the practices shown below. You can dedicate part of each practice within a training session to focus on the goalkeeper. The aim and outcomes you want your goalkeepers to accomplish should be clear and concise. Therefore, as you have to take care of not just the goalkeeper but the whole team, you must be clear and keep things as simple as possible.
What the goalkeepers will be working on should be communicated with them before the practice starts. It can be even more beneficial if you send the session in advance to the goalkeeper with the outcomes (key coaching points) explained. Sending videos prior to the session of these outcomes will also help in having the goalkeepers understand what is required of them during the training session.
It is also a great idea to film the training session and if possible to acquire videos of matches where you as the coach can discuss issues with the goalkeepers and point out certain defects that need further refinement. You can meet with the goalkeeper after training to review the performance, before the next training session or send a video of it. I would prefer meeting in person over sending a video so to have a two way communication channel with the goalkeeper, where certain problems that the goalkeeper faces will be discussed and explained in greater detail.
Practice 5: Build-up from the back with scoring on three gates.
Area of play: Half a regular size soccer pitch.
Description: Normal game where the goalkeeper’s team aims to score by dribbling through any of the three gates while the opposite team aims to score in the regular goal defended by the goalkeeper.
Coaching outcomes for the goalkeeper:
1. Communicate constantly using short and clear words with the two central defenders.
2. Provide an angle of support to be available for back passes
3. If possible aim to play line breaking passes.
4. Switch play when receiving the ball out of pressured areas.
Practice 6: Get to the crossed ball first!
Area of play: One third of a regular size soccer pitch.
Description: The full back and the winger combine together to play the cross. The two defenders and the goalkeeper defend the cross against the two strikers.
Coaching outcomes for the goalkeeper:
1. Communicate constantly using short and clear words with the two central defenders.
2. Starting position prior to the cross – middle of the goal.
3. Attack the ball at speed.
4. Take-off on the balls of feet.
5. Take-off using the inside leg.
6. Upon catching the ball, look up run forward and throw the ball into the mini goal (as if to initiate a counter attack).
Practice 7: 4v4+GK on a regular goal and three mini goals.
Area of play: One third of a regular size soccer pitch.
Description: The goalkeeper and the two central defenders and two central midfielders play against three forwards and an attacking midfielder. The goalkeeper’s team aim to score in any of the three mini goals while defending the regular goal.
Coaching outcomes for the goalkeeper:
1. Communicate constantly using short and clear words with the two central defenders.
2. Provide an angle of support to be available for back passes
3. If possible aim to play line breaking passes (the goalkeeper can score!).
4. Switch play when receiving the ball out of pressured areas.
5. Accuracy in passes. Aim to pass the ball to the foot of the receiver which puts him in a suitable position to play the next pass with accuracy. In other words, play the pass you would like to receive.
By Philip Cauchi
