Soccer coaching tips to get your goalie in position
Getting a goalkeeper for your team is bad enough, but getting one who can change positions in relation to the game is very difficult. These soccer coaching tips will help get him thinking about positioning and how to help the defenders.
Coaching reminders
The thing you must get across to your goalkeeper, and remind him of constantly during the game, is to focus on the position of the ball in relation to the goal, even when it's at the other end of the pitch
You must also think about the team you are playing and talk about his positions at half time. Young attackers will often try to get the ball as close to goal as possible so your goalkeeper needs to be off his line more.
If the team has a big kicker, your goalkeeper must watch out for high shots over his head.
Positional tips:
As easy as 1-2-3
If the ball is in the attacking third of the pitch, the keeper should be in the front third of their penalty area
If the ball’s in the middle third, the keeper should stand in the middle third of their penalty area
If the ball’s in the defending third, the keeper should position themselves a little distance from their goal-line.
Sweep it up
Why are these soccer coaching tips important? Because as well as making saves, a goalkeeper’s job is to provide support for the defence. The space between the keeper and defenders should be small enough to make it tricky for opponents to play a ball into it without either the keeper or defenders getting there first.
A good position also means the goalkeeper is available to receive a backpass from a team mate under pressure.
Click here for more soccer coaching tips to help your goalkeeper learn about positioning.
Soccer coaching tips
Improve your soccer training skills. Sign up for a FREE weekly email, full of simple proven tips, advice and drills.
"I look forward to every issue because it is concise and filled with great information. In times like this, with very busy schedules, it is invaluable. I highly recommend it."
Victor Gascon, Coach, USA
|