We know we should be having our fruits and vegetables as part of a good diet. I read that you should be having five portions of fruit or vegetables a day. What constitutes a portion? Here are some images to help.
Goalkeeper HQ
Your headquarters for all things goalkeeping
Author: Leon (page 10 of 16)
Here is a checklist of goalkeeping equipment ( apart from the obvious ones ) that all goalkeepers should have.
Goalkeeping hat – Used less these days but important none the less. The use of a goalkeeping hat 
with a long visor is important to keep you from having to frown throughout the game. Used primarily when the ball is in the oppositions half.
Thermal undergarment – A dedicated goalkeeper will be practicing and playing in all weathers. It is important that you are able to perform to your best at all times, and if you are freezing cold, this is hard to do.
Storelli also provides a GK specific padded undershirt – You can get 20% off the order by adding “Leon” to the coupon code.
Compression Baselayer leggings – Worn by all my college goalkeepers and also seen when watching pro’s train. These compression leggings provide a good base layer for all conditions to protect muscles and restrict abrasions from the floor surface.
Baseball slider shorts with padding – Essential for any goalkeeper playing on turf or rough ground. These can be used instead of goalkeeping pants or in addition to. The tight fit stops abrasions on the upper leg.
Our partnership with Storelli enables you to get 20% off each purchase with “Leon” in the coupon code – See here for their selection of padded shorts.
Electric tape – Used over socks to keep shin guards in place, and to stop them from slipping down to the foot which then affects kicking.
An alternative is also the body shield leg sleeve by Storelli
Sweet spots – For goalkeepers that struggle to keep laces done up or those that find that the loops of the laces are so big that it could lead to tripping.
Thin sweatshirt – Not only does this long sleeve garment keep you warm during those colder days, the extra layer under the goalkeeping shirt adds bulk to make you feel physically bigger. The extra padding that the sweatshirt provides also helps take the sting out of those harder point-blank shots. Ensure that you can still move freely, however.
Glove Glue – After being skeptical, I have to say that it serves its purpose of revitalizing partially worm gloves.
Squeezy bottle – reviewed here. Vital for keeping gloves damp and ensuring mouth is moist for communication.
Exercise ball – One of the best pieces of fitness equipment for goalkeepers. Great for core strength and upper body. See a list of 10 ball exercises here. https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/blog/exercise-ball-workouts
Foam roller – I love my foam roller. Great for getting into tight hip-flexors used when kicking and glutes used when diving. Great for stretching out the back and the IT band which every sports player suffers from tightness.
Soccer Pump – Practice as you mean to play. If you are practicing with a flat soccer ball, it does not relate to how you would save in a game and reduces the effectiveness of the practice. Be ready to pump other people’s balls up too.
Muscle roller stick – Small enough to fit in a kit bag. Roll out those tight hamstrings and quads on the go either before, during or after a game or practice to invigorate and stretch out a couple of the biggest muscles in the body
Stretching strap – Every goalkeeper I have coached has tight muscles. This strap is perfect for all sorts of stretches, not just the hamstrings which seems to be the tightest.
Surgical gloves – A very cheap way to keep hands dry during wet and cold conditions
If you are looking for gloves or a new goalkeeper kit, check out www.L1Goalkeeper.com
L1 Goalkeeper is the official glove and apparel provider to Goalkeeper HQ
Having filled out the evaluations and gone through the self-analysis sheets, I wanted to share some thoughts on what it actually takes for goalkeepers to get top marks in different aspects of the game.
I believe that many players and parents are unaware of what is needed to really be a top-class goalkeeper.
The key to being a top goalkeeper is successful consistency in as many of the goalkeeping core competencies as possible… therefore, our evaluations are graded on how often a goalkeeper does each competency.
See below to see if you actually meet the criteria. Evaluation is marked on how often the goalkeeper does each competency – All the time, most of the time, half the time, some of the time or none of the time. If the score is none of the time, it may be because the goalkeeper has not yet been taught this aspect or does not understand what is being asked of the goalkeeper in that situation.
You can see the Technical sheet here
You can see the Tactical sheet here
You can see the Physical sheet here
Psychological
Adapting to full-size goal – Dealing with problems that arise from playing on a bigger field /
goal
Everything from height of crossbar to taking goal kicks in a larger area.
Preparation – For training & games. Punctuality, care of equipment and suitability of equipment.
It is recognized that all players prepare differently. Some evidence of players being marked down.
Spare gloves, a towel for wet conditions, cap to avoid the sun in eyes, baseball sliders. No squeezy bottle in goalmouth for keeping gloves at peak condition, wiping down dirt on gloves and keeping mouth watered.
A well-prepared goalkeeper will check out both goal mouths prior to warm up to consider potential hazards and discuss with the coach what side would be best to start. ( due to wind, slope, sun or goalmouth conditions )
A warm-up will consist of all the elements of goalkeeping and the goalkeeper should demand this either from the coach whether it is with another goalkeeper, a player or the coach himself.
The obvious wearing of warm clothing during cold games and/or the use of bengay / icy hot, along with surgery gloves for wet conditions.
Dealing with mistakes – Composure, learning opportunity & confidence
Does the mistake affect the goalkeeper’s performance or more importantly the team? To get top marks, a goalkeeper would speak to their coach after a mistake to recognize the error and tell him or her what they would do differently. Evidence that the goalkeeper would have gone away to improve on the error made.
Work rate – During training. Evidence of practice when away from Everton.
Does the goalkeeper give 100%?
Coachability – The ability to take on board information.
Starting with a 3 out of 5.
Higher marks if
a) player has shown improvement by implementing what has been asked
b) asks questions if not sure
c) gives 100% and encourages others to do so
d) offers to help
e) keeps good dialogue so I’m aware of performances
Lower marks if
a) low attendance or if late
b) brings the level of work rate down
c) Talks when the coach talks
d) Making the same errors over and over again despite having been told what to do
e) does not listen to instructions
EXPECTATIONS PER AGE
See my post on What makes a good goalkeeping evaluation?
Having filled out the evaluations and gone through the self-analysis sheets, I wanted to share some thoughts on what it actually takes for goalkeepers to get top marks in different aspects of the game.
I believe that many players and parents are unaware of what is needed to really be a top-class goalkeeper.
The key to being a top goalkeeper is successful consistency in as many of the goalkeeping core competencies as possible… therefore, our evaluations are graded on how often a goalkeeper does each competency.
See below to see if you actually meet the criteria. Evaluation is marked on how often the goalkeeper does each competency – All the time, most of the time, half the time, some of the time or none of the time. If the score is none of the time, it may be because the goalkeeper has not yet been taught this aspect or does not understand what is being asked of the goalkeeper in that situation.
You can see the Technical sheet here
You can see the Physical sheet here
You can see the Psychological sheet here
Tactical
Distances of support – To defenders when attacking and defending.
To get 5 out of 5 on this, goalkeepers need to constantly be close enough to the last defender in order to be an option to play and be part of possession, rather than be the last option to clear the ball. The goalkeeper should also be available to receive the ball when the team has a throw-in their defending third and take free kicks, thus giving more options.
When defending, the goalkeeper should recognize opportunities to creep up the line and be a covering defender ( if out of the box ) and in the box, be close enough so that if a defender is beat or a through ball is played, the goalkeeper is the next line of defense.
Communication – Loud and clear, early, with different tones to distinguish danger. Instructional.
In addition to the above, I would like to add “supportive” – in the way the goalkeeper talks to players and in finding opportunities to do so. Key times which are at a minimum of when I should hear the goalkeeper is when the ball is in the air, behind the defense and when defending set plays.
EXPECTATIONS PER AGE
See my post on what makes a good goalkeeping evaluation?
Having filled out the evaluations and gone through the self-analysis sheets, I wanted to share some thoughts on what it actually takes to be 5 out of 5 in different aspects of the game.
I believe that many players and parents are unaware of what is needed to really be a top-class goalkeeper.
Scores here are marked as Exceptional, Above Average, Average, Below average and Poor.
You can see the Technical sheet here
You can see the Tactcal sheet here
You can see the Psychological sheet here
Physical
Height – Height can not be taught. It can provide an advantage to the goalkeeper if above average.
Are players able to touch the bar? Does a player’s height not only provide no disadvantage but is an asset to his or her play and the confidence of the team? ( Perception )
Build – A good build will assist in mobility, provide strength upon contact and provide good presence. The build of a goalkeeper has changed throughout the years and we look at different builds being an advantage at different age groups.
Like height, I am looking for a body shape that will provide an advantage and put fear into any oncoming forwards.
Balance / Core – The ability to do tasks without falling or tripping coupled with core strength which aids balance.
Much can be determined in practice. A goalkeeper who is constantly on the floor is no good to the team. I look for balance when taking kicks, the ability to be able to get up without using hands, willingness to stay on feet and preference to one side or another.
Co-ordination – Hand / eye, footwork.
Any marks down on this are identified when goalkeepers have to change hand shapes, move from one foot to another and any other work that involves 2 sides of the body.
Rhythm – The ability to do repetition exercises without stopping
Vital for when you get to High School or college. – Repetition exercises should be done to a rhythm or a mental beat that is stuck to. When it is not, it adds to confusion with the server. It is also a sign that something is wrong. ( hands, feet, core, etc )
Speed – Of feet, Getting to the ball, distribution
Pretty self-explanatory. I’m looking for opportunities where the goalkeeper is not favorite to win the ball but gets there first. Forwards, backwards and recovery saves to the side. – The USA shuttle test also gives me good indication of speed over a variety of distances.
EXPECTATIONS PER AGE GROUP
Having filled out the evaluations and gone through the self-analysis sheets, I wanted to share some thoughts on what it actually takes for goalkeepers to get top marks in different aspects of the game.
I believe that many players and parents are unaware of what is needed to really be a top-class goalkeeper.
The key to being a top goalkeeper is successful consistency in as many of the goalkeeping core competencies as possible… therefore, our evaluations are graded on how often a goalkeeper does each competency.
See below to see if you actually meet the criteria. Evaluation is marked on how often the goalkeeper does each competency – All the time, most of the time, half the time, some of the time or none of the time. If the score is none of the time, it may be because the goalkeeper has not yet been taught this aspect or does not understand what is being asked of the goalkeeper in that situation.
You can see the Tactcal sheet here
You can see the Physical elements here
You can see the Psychological sheet here
TECHNICAL:
Set Position / General Handling – In the ready position prior to making the save. Changes stance from being ready to intercept/claim to shot-stopping. Thrown / Kicked service. All heights.
What would be a 5: – Making sure that Goalkeeper uses the correct method various set positions for 1) Saving shots, 2) winning a race to the ball 3) delaying the opposition. Correct hand shapes every time in both practice and games. Able to execute contour, side contour, basket, scoop, and front smother cleanly without the need for a second save from service the power of that from players’ own age.
Shot stopping – The ability to keep the ball out the net, Decision to catch, parry or tip), ability to make the second save if necessary.
Although you won’t be able to keep every shot out there has to be the responsibility to stop the ball. Any shots that hit the back of the net as opposed to the side netting which will likely be a good shot. Good execution of the decision to catch, tip or parry.
Diving Technique – Correct placement of the nearest foot, Two hands leading, Bodyweight forward, Elbows out. Collapsing save, step & save and power step.
All of the above determine positive or negative points that ultimately affect the effectiveness of the dive.
Angles & Positional Play – Cover the near post, Ability to get into and up the line ( ball line ), Save in mini-goals within a game-size goal.
Getting beat at the near post is a definite no. Closing down forwards to make point-blank shots and the decision to come out to narrow the angle or stay on your line to react to the save. The position of the goalkeeper when the ball is wide is also taken into account. Namely the position of the goalkeeper in the “Three goal situation” of collecting crosses.
1 v 1 – Diving on the correct side, Stay on feet until last moment, Closes forward down, adopt Gate or Stalk position, Stopping opponent from going around.
The ability to come away with the ball when it is either a through ball ( played by another player ) or breakaway ( one player on his or her own ) 1) Collect cleanly 2) Make a point-blank save 3) Delay
Distribution – Dealing with a back pass, support & availability, control & increased range of passing with both feet, All techniques of throwing, Goal Kicks, Volleying. Half Volley.
We are looking at the consistency in which the goalkeeper can complete passes of the following to a degree that does not create any issues for the team and also has at least one distribution technique that is a real asset to the team. All of which should be done at the correct tempo.
Around = short pass, wide and around oncoming forwards.
Through = A medium pass through the middle of two or more oncoming players
Into = Medium to long pass into the feet of wide players, having gone over attacking players
Onto = Long pass onto the body of a forward who is up the field.
Over = Over the heads of the defense and forward so that your team can attack with opposition defenders facing their own goal.
See my post on What makes a good goalkeeping evaluation?
I have come to realize that the evaluation of the goalkeeper is just as important in the education of the position as the topics taught. The evaluation is indeed the first part of the Goalkeeper HQ coaching cycle which can be seen here – [THE COACHING CYCLE]
There are two advantages to the evaluation.
- It is good to get an honest opinion from someone other than yourself or your slightly biased ( this could be both ways ) parents.
- It is hard to get better at something if you are not aware of where you should be to reach the level that you want to be at.
In my 25 years of coaching, I have filled out all manner of evaluation forms and not many of them have satisfied my need to provide the goalkeeper with the information required to get better. What does a score of 3 out of 5 for shot-stopping mean?
A comprehensive evaluation should open goalkeepers’ eyes to all the things that are expected. The job of the goalkeeper is to ensure that each thing is done successfully as often as possible.
What should be in a good goalkeeping evaluation?
1 ) The evaluation should be catered to different age groups. Although the key elements of goalkeeping apply to all ages, you can not expect younger players to be as consistent in some elements.
2) It should contain aspects of the four pillars of soccer. Technical, Tactical, Physical & Psychological. For goalkeeping more than any other position on the field, the psychology of goalkeeping is so important. Goalkeeper HQ has a whole on-line course for aspects of Goalkeeping Psychology.
3) Technical elements should cover age-related work done but should cover the goalkeeping aspects of Shot stopping, Angles and positioning, High Balls / Crosses, Diving at feet & Distribution.
4) Evaluations should take into account gameplay. This can come from first-hand observations, feedback from the coach or by filling in the match analysis forms.
5) Provide the parent/player with an explanation sheet with the terminology and what it means. Not everyone knows what the ” Three goal situation” or “imperfect world” is.
6) This explanation sheet should also set expectations. – 5 out of 5 on all areas would have your goalkeeper playing on the national squad… In my evaluations, I don’t actually have numbers, rather, the consistency levels. “All the time”, “Most of the time”, “Half the time”, “Some of the time”, “None of the time”
7) Provide areas of improvement. – This means areas that the goalkeeper can do something to improve. It is unlikely that the goalkeeper being evaluated will do everything all the time. My old coach said that you must work on your weaknesses but maintain your strengths. Giving three aspects of the game to improve will give focus to training.
8 ) Follow up with an action plan allowing the goalkeeper to implement any exercises or drills needed to improve in any particular aspect of their game, and especially the recognized areas that need improvement.
You may have heard me ask if you have wet your gloves?
There are two reasons;
1) It helps make them last longer as dry, brittle latex comes off the glove easier than wet latex.
2) It helps the ball stick to the glove better.
See here for how that happens.
The latex foam has tiny holes, exactly like a kitchen sponge. The holes are small and brittle when dry, but when you get them wet, they expand and get bigger and softer (just like a kitchen sponge again). The tiny holes then act as tentacles like an octopus has. Spit will do the job, but water is easier, a little more hygienic and does not result in your mouth getting dry.
Read here about the power of the squeezy bottle.
Here are some tips for tryouts.
1 – Arrive Early. Know where the fields are. Leave plenty of time to get there, and register and assess equipment based on the field surface.
2 – Look the part. Anyone can put on gloves, that doesn’t make them a goalkeeper. Look like a goalkeeper: shin pads and gloves are on, socks are pulled up, shirt tucked in. If you are most comfortable in a long-sleeve jersey, wear one. Wear the sliding shorts or other equipment you’d wear in training or games.
3 – Be prepared. Bring extra gloves, different studs and additional clothing. Weather conditions may require you to make changes. If there are more goalkeepers than places on the field, you may be sitting out.
4 – Introduce yourself to players and coaches. Figure out who the players are that have already made the team and hang out with them prior to the start of the session.
5 – Find another goalkeeper to do a goalkeeping specific warm up before getting in the net.
6 – Form a relationship with the defenders on your team. Get to know their names so you can give them instructions and also give praise.
7 – Do not wait for an invitation to go in the net. Be the first one in.
8 – Avoid high risk action. Play simple and safe.
9 – Avoid getting caught up in the game result, cheering wildly if your team scores. Project calmness and an expectation of winning.
10 – Go for every ball or shot. A goalkeeper coach can help with poor technique but will find it extremely difficult to work with a goalkeeper that can not or will not go for the shot.
11 – Take your own goal kicks
12 – Use positive self talk. Words or an image that stimulates you to do well or energizes you.
13 – Do not panic and maintain emotional control. No need to fall out with temporary defenders or letting one mistake affect the rest of your performance.
14 – Choose smart distribution by not giving the ball away and show off your tactical knowledge by slowing the game or setting up counter attacks when necessary.
15 – Be ready to go again for a second day if necessary. That means cooling down correctly, even if no-one else is. Eat correctly, review your performance and bear in mind anything you feel you need to improve on the following tryout.
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