Game Day Archives - Page 4 of 5

Category: Game Day (page 4 of 5)

10 Things good goalkeeping parents can do

September 12, 2014 / Leon / 0 Comments

1. Boost their confidence before a game.

So much of the game is mental. Providing reminders of great saves, and performances fills the goalkeeper’s confidence bucket and encourages repeat performances. Things such as ” remember that great save you made against this team last time you played them”

2. Understand the equipment needs of goalkeepers.
You get what you pay for with gloves. Understand a goalkeepers needs for good gloves. Other extra equipment that goalkeepers use, Slider pants, tape for socks, squeezy water bottle should be purchased.

3. Be part of your son or daughter’s passion by watching the game at the highest level with them.
Much the same as talented singers would go to see a concert, actors go to the theater, it is important to support goalkeepers wanting to watch their trade be applied at the highest level. By watching live games, goalkeepers can see what the pro’s do from warm up to after the game. Even taking an interest in watching a game on TV will help goalkeepers share observations with someone.

4. Encourage and support goalkeepers to play out on field.
Pick up games, street soccer or futsal where the goalkeeper can play out on field with no pressure and enjoy other positions whilst appreciating what the outfield players needs are and improving foot skills.

5. Encourage other activities.
It is important for younger goalkeepers to have other activities to diversify. This may be another sport or another pastime such as playing an instrument. Other sports can help the position of goalkeeper. Teaching of other pastimes can be applied and most of all it will avoid burn out at an older age when concentrating on goalkeeping may be full time.

6. Consider a one-on-one goalkeeping session.
A good coach will provide an assessment, and give perseived strengths and weaknesses with an action plan on how to improve. Goalkeepers love the attention and feeling of someone dedicated to their improvement.

7. Video taping / Fill out analysis of games.
As a parent, you are the most likely and closest person to do this. Recording games and watching back provides invaluable visual learning of the good bad and ugly. If recording is not viable, the analysis sheets should provide a good record of performance and see if their are any pattern or trends ( i.e. all goals conceded tend to be to the left )

8. Make goalkeepers responsible for their own equipment.
Throughout their goalkeeping careers, goalkeepers will rely on having their uniform / equipment. From an early age they should be encouraged to care for, bring and return their equipment. Examples are washing of soccer clothes & gloves, remembering water bottles & balls on fields, carrying their own bags on to and from the field.

9. Be a good spectator.
Be quiet in public and at games. No kid wants to be embarrassed by their parents yelling stuff from the side. Let other parents do the cheering – it means so much more. Sit in the crowd, rather than be that eagle-eyed parent that has to stand or sit level with the goalkeeper ready to critique every move. Don’t react to moans and negative comments. It is a fact that goalkeepers mistakes will happen and are most noticeable. The same people will more than likely be the same ones cheering when the goalkeeper makes a great save. No need to cause friction or fall out with people and especially if the goalkeeper knows about fuss you are causing on the sideline. You may well and up being one of those parents that drag your son or daughter from club to club as you fall out with different sets of parents every time something negative is said. This may well be the toughest way to support your goalkeeper, as no parents likes to hear criticism. Criticism is something the goalkeeper has to deal with on their own. Hopefully one day they will have a whole stadium of 30,000 people criticising them….. as that will mean they have made it to the professional game.

10. Criticism and comments are not for the ride home.
In a survey conducted some 5 years ago, it asked players what the best and worst part of soccer was. The worst part for many is the ride home! – The grilling from the parents. Players and especially goalkeepers know when they have had a bad game. They don’t need reminding in the car and for the remainder of the 1 hour journey home. The ride home should be quiet reflection for the goalkeeper and performance should only be discussed if brought up by the goalkeeper. When given the go ahead, to discuss, questions such a “What did you learn?” & “What will you do next time?” are much better than “Next time you should do this and that”

Goalkeeper recovery saves

May 15, 2014 / Leon / 1 Comment

I recently returned from the UK, where I got to see Peterborough v Leyton Orient in the League 1 playoff semi final.

The score ended up 1 – 1 and noticed that both goals were scored after the goalkeeper had parried the ball out.

Below is a highlights video of the game so you know what I’m talking about.

It inspired me to work on recovery saves, as you see from the video, once the parry has been made and the GK recovered, the ball goes one of two ways. the first goal was a cross and the second was a shot.

Key factors:

1 – Make your decision to a) Catch b) Parry or c ) Tip

2 – Once the save is made, get up as quick as you can

3 – Assess / read the oncoming player. Do they have time to take a touch? What part of the goal is open? Are they coming at speed? Will they be under pressure from your defenders?

4 – Make a decision to a) Close the ball down for a point blank save b) stand up and react to the shot c) Dive immediately, guessing that the ball is going to be shot in a particular area. This may be used if you have left the near post open.

5 – Be ready for a third save if necessary.

If the recovery requires a long distance to be covered, a crossover step may be needed to get into ball line.

Ten tips to get an edge when practice is canceled

May 1, 2014 / Leon / 1 Comment

Gain advantages over your competitors when they are sat at home watching T.V.

When a session or game is canceled it can be frustrating. You may even have a snow day, in which you have the whole day to improve yourself as a goalkeeper.

Here are some ways you can gain an advantage over your competitors when they are sat at home watching TV.

1 – Build up your upper body strength.

Goalkeepers need to have strong upper body strength. Use the time that a cancellation gives to improve your strength with a push-up routine.

Normal, Wide, Heart to heart, Military, claps, and dippers are all different push-ups styles to do.

Do 10 of each three times – Don’t forget to stretch after.

If you want to start a push-up challenge, the article “30 day goalkeeper fitness challenge” has a number of different challenges you can do over 30 days. One of which is push-ups. If nothing else….. get started with day one of the push-up challenge now!

2 – Stretch.

Often a neglected part of our game and a lack of flexibility can reduce our performance in goal. Use the downtime to stretch hamstrings, quads, hip flexors, groins, glutes, and back.

30 seconds on each stretch – Do three repetitions.

See below for hamstring stretches

Hamstring stretches. 30 secs hands level with knee, 30 secs hands level with ankle, 30 secs hold on to the foot.

Check out foam roller exercises here

3 – Be a student of the game.

At Goalkeeper HQ, we believe there are three pillars of coaching. Evaluation, Knowledge and understanding and repetitions. By having a practice canceled, you are only really missing out on the repetitions. You can evaluate yourself or other goalkeepers by watching a game or highlights if time is short. You can gain knowledge by reading up on goalkeeping. Try typing a topic in the search bar to the right of this page and see what goalkeeping article comes up. You can even take one of the Goalkeeping HQ Education courses here.

When watching a game, look out for positioning, different distribution techniques and range of goalkeepers coming for crosses.

Goalkeeper HQ offers a service where we evaluate part of your game. See the service here.

4 – Get your equipment in order.

Wash your gloves, clean your boots, rinse your water bottle, check the quality of your gloves, size of undergarments, etc. Ensure your equipment is not an excuse for poor performance. You can purchase the latest L1 Goalkeeper Gloves here.

5 – Get a cardiovascular workout.

People think goalkeepers are lazy, but we can debunk that myth by being one of the fittest members of the team. Use this off time to get the heart pumping. If you can’t get to the gym, give yourself a routine that can include stair runs, Jumping Jacks, Burpees, High Knees, Push-ups, and sit-ups.

I use the Nike Training Club App for free exercises and workouts but this 11-minute High-Intensity Interval Training by ex-pupil, Tim Pittman does the job perfectly.

6 – Get your homework done.

The extra time off might be the perfect opportunity to get your homework done. By getting it done, you can fully focus on your game or next practice without stressing about project deadlines for school.

7 – Catch up on some sleep.

You are up early for school, you put your heart and soul into practices and games three to four times a week, some of you even play other sports. If you are tired, use the additional time off to catch up on some sleep and be back to your best when games and practice resume. See the article “ The importance of rest during downtime”

8 – Practice ball skills.

Goalkeepers need to be comfortable with the ball at your feet. Use the time to be comfortable with the ball at your feet. You can practice in a 5×5 area. Top taps, foundations, inside & outside of the foot, figure 8 using inside & outside of feet, turns, etc.

One of the things that goalkeepers neglect is the importance of a good first touch This linked article has some useful exercises you can do with a partner.

For an indoor goalkeeping challenge, try this from one of our goalkeeping challenges.

https://youtu.be/KbyCT0jEucA

9 – Research your opposition.

Check out your league website to see who you are playing next. Where are they in the League? How many goals have they scored? Who is their best goal scorer?

10 – Fill out your self-evaluation.

How did you play in the last game? Where can you improve? What was your distribution success rate? How many goals that went in were your fault? Are there any trends in the goals that go in? – i.e. balls to left, crosses, 1 on 1’s? Evaluation forms can be found in the resources course on the Goalkeeper HQ membership site.

The power of the squeezy bottle for Goalkeepers

April 10, 2014 / Leon / 1 Comment

Having worked at the enjoyable, yet very hot Goalkeeper HQ camp at Yale University last week and having worked with individuals through the one on one sessions this week in very humid conditions, the one thing I found was the lack of a sports bottle from each of the goalkeepers. There were sports drinks in their original twisty caps, there was water in rock climbing bottles…..again needing twists and from my observation not much control over how much water comes out at once, and lastly there was a flask which needed the lid taken off before a twist action was needed to access water. None of these items were kept in the goal, which is where the goalkeeper is standing.

These observations inspired me to write the 5 reasons to carry a squeezy bottle with water for games and training.

1 – Water is what you need if you are thirsty. You need water by your goal. You will need it to hydrate. Lots of small doses at a time. Keep the bottle in a place you can access it. ( i.e. in the goal )

2 – Gloves get dry. Wetting them provided better grip. A small squeeze provides the right amount of wetness in a quick action. No turning of caps with gloves on and balancing the bottle enough so that you don’t soak your gloves, and then trying to find the cap which went on the floor and then trying to pick said cap up off the floor with gloves on. [See the article on wetting gloves]

3 – If you are doing your job correctly in goal, you will be providing good communication. In doing so you are likely to get a dry mouth. A quick squeeze of water into the mouth allows you to continue to do your job communicating.

4 – Speed is key. As a goalkeeper, you need to live every moment of the game. A quick squeeze when the ball is out of play on the other side of the field does not detract from your focus on the game.

5 – A squeeze allows for no mouth contact… These squeezy bottles were designed for helmet sports where the bottle can’t reach the mouth. This is good for hygiene purposes if your defenders need to hydrate during the game. Dealing with a corner or during a goal kick is often a good time when an otherwise flagging defender can get much-needed hydration. You never know… your help could mean the difference between a defender not being able to get to a ball and getting to a ball.

Here are some of the features of the squeezy bottle I have been using. It has a gage of how much liquid is in the bottle, it has grips on and is shaped for easy pick up off the ground and has a one-way valve with no lid so you can squeeze away with no need to lift anything, bite anything and has no leakage.

Goalkeepers dealing with mistakes

April 4, 2014 / Leon / 1 Comment

I have found that one of the hardest things about dealing with mistakes for young goalkeepers is for them to have the knowledge to

realize they made a mistake in the first place, or at least know that they could have done something different to eliminate the goal they just conceded. Self-evaluation is an important part of the Goalkeeper HQ learning cycle and the realization that they could have done better is important. Goalkeeper HQ does offer goalkeeper match analysis to help in the education [LEARN MORE ABOUT GKHQ MATCH ANALYSIS]

I find that it is hard for young goalkeepers to understand and appreciate when they could have done better, especially when the goal was not a glaring mistake or if the goal was scored in the second phase.

The key to dealing with mistakes is to be educated enough in the game to acknowledge when we could have done better. Watch the game, listen to feedback and become a student of the position.

Once a mistake is made, consider the following.

1 – Vent it. By venting your anger in the form of a verbal outburst, you can let the frustration out and put the mistake behind you.

It is important to resist physically lashing out as a kick or punch to the post or floor or any other item may result in an injury and let your team down further.

2 – File it. Learn from the mistake and file it in the memory bank for the duration of the game so that the same mistake won’t be made again. You do not need to analyze it in depth but be aware of what happened. It might have been that the ball got held up in the wind, and you need to adjust your jump on the next ball. It might have been that you tried to catch in wet conditions, when a parry would have been a better option or the knowledge that #10 kicks the ball very hard, so be ready for the next shot!

3 – Own it. Be strong enough to let your teammates and coach know that you acknowledge the mistake. A simple hand up will let all know that you accept the mistake, you are educated enough to know it was your fault, and that your normal level of play is higher than the play that was the mistake. This can provide confidence to the team and coaching staff.

4 – Focus. The remainder of the game needs you focused on the next save. Do not dwell on the mistake….. “You are only as good as your next save” – My coach used to tell me.

5 – Evaluate it. After the game and when you have filled out your match analysis is the time to establish if the mistake was technical or tactical ( tactical is when a decision has to be made ). What should you have done? How will you deal with the same scenario next time? What do you need to do to fix the problem? It might mean that you need to practice that particular topic to get the confidence back again.

6 – Fix it. Extra training, a new pair of gloves or even rest – This part is down to each individual and each scenario.

Everyone makes mistakes….. The best goalkeepers are the ones that make the least and when they do make a mistake are able to get over them quickly.

The importance of match analysis for goalkeepers

March 26, 2014 / Leon / 1 Comment

I wanted to share the importance of Match Analysis which is often overlooked as part of a goalkeeper’s development. Feedback on game performance is important to see if the goalkeeper has put the things they have learned in practice into real game situations. I try to evaluate the goalkeepers at least twice a season. Once at the beginning which helps iron out any issues early on, and again at the end with what is hopefully an improvement.
The ideal analysis/evaluation should include:
Goalkeeping warm up, discussion with team coach on the game plan and how it involves the GK, real-time list of every GK activity, halftime chat about good & bad, any change of game plan and pointers based on the game so far. Written evaluation after the game with a list of good/bad trends & plan of action for future.

Another form I use as I can’t get to every game is Video Match analysis:

This is done after the game once I get the video. There is so much you can get from the video. The fact that you can watch & re watch a play over and over again is great. Looking at first the goalkeeper, then the position of defenders and again the overall picture with the whole team. It is interesting to see the key moments that lead to a goal that is not necessarily immediately before the goal. A decision by the goalkeeper to play long, for example, can result in the opposition regaining possession, whereas if the goalkeeper had composure, the team would have kept the ball. Video work can also provide a visual to the goalkeeper which is beneficial.

Statistics can provide a good picture as long as you can keep tabs on the different styles of saving. Parents, a coach or a substitute GK can provide stats. Parents at my club Everton America are given a full match analysis form to provide statistics of games I can not attend. Fill out the contact form below if you would like a copy. From these statistics, we can see if there are any trends, good or bad so we know what to work on. The number of lost possessions from distribution or goals conceded to low left.

Lastly, the last form of analysis is self-evaluation. I ask GK’s to give self-evaluation. Grade out of 5 for a number of goalkeeping topics. The goalkeeper can see a trend in any weak parts of their game. Again, I have this self-evaluation sheet if you fill out the contact sheet.

Balls behind the defense

March 19, 2014 / Leon / 0 Comments

One of the most common plays in youth soccer is the through ball which, if the goalkeeper is not switched on can prove dangerous. As a goalkeeper, you are responsible for guiding your team. You have the privilege of seeing the whole field and should see the opposition set up their attacking play. It is your responsibility to share what you see.

Goalkeepers should recognize the typical method of the “Up, back and through” or when a player is ready to do a large kick over the top so that they can take control when the ball is over or behind the defense. An appropriate advanced starting position will help you to win the race to win the ball if necessary.

Whilst constant communication of various types should be the norm, I see three main times when an instruction is vital.
1) When the ball is in the air
2) When the ball is has gone behind the defense and they are now facing you – the goalkeeper.

3) During set pieces

I am concentrating on the first two.

The call from the goalkeeper must be early. The purpose of calling is to give information in time for effective action to be taken. Late calls do not permit effective action.

What to say when the ball is either in the air of behind defense.

1 – Keeper’s coming! : You are coming to collect ( either inside or outside the area ). Note that a call of just “Keepers” may lead to confusion.

2 – Knock it back / Head it back : It’s keepers ball, but needs a player to help it on to you. As per the back pass

information, you should provide an audio and a visual of where you want the ball played. Goalkeepers should not be requesting the ball back if the ball is in the area. ( Too risky plus you should have already come to collect )
3a – Away : You can’t deal with it, but hopefully someone else can. If the opposition are closing down on your defender and a bouncing ball means that a pass back would cause more trouble then this should be the call. If the ball is running into the penalty box and you have not collected, the call should also be away.

3b – Turn outside : No need to knock it back, turn so you can set up an attack.

Here is one example of a situation where good communication allows the goalkeeper to receive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLeCPkgtizY&feature=youtu.be

Lack of communication causes confusion HERE
Example of a call ” Keepers coming – Let it run

Example of through ball where Keeper has to come HERE

( defenders after hearing “Keepers coming” should be screening the forwards and be ready for rebound.) Example of through ball where keeper collects. HERE
Example of when “Away” would be appropriate. HERE

Joe Hart “Starfish” save comes from opponents father.

March 7, 2014 / Leon / 0 Comments

In yesterday’s England v Denmark game, England’s Joe Hart made a great save to keep his team in the game at 0-0. The save he made ( pictured ) looked very familiar to his opposite number, Kaspar Schmeichel. Kasper’s father, Peter was the legendry Danish and Manchester United Goalkeeper who first brought the “Starfish” save to the Premier League. Peter’s handball background, where you have to make yourself as big as possible to stop the ball was the secret to many of his great saves, which made him arguably the best goalkeeper of his time. For those of you too young to remember the great man, see this youtube video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvZf5Zp-27Y

Ten Goalkeeping Tips for Tournaments

March 5, 2014 / Leon / 0 Comments

It’s amazing how many goalkeepers are not able to give their best performance at tournaments because they are not prepared. Here is a list of things to be ready for when traveling to a tournament, and in some cases be seen by college coaches.

1 – Clean your gloves prior to the tournament.

Get all dirt particles out of your gloves by putting them in a pillowcase and throwing in the washing machine. After the cycle, leave palm up out of sunlight. If you are not comfortable putting them in the washer, you can use glove wash or better still, bring out those new L1 Goalkeeper gloves for that new glove feeling.

2 – Read up on when / who you are playing in the tournament.

Check, and double check your times. This will help you in deciding when to eat, how much rest you are likely to have and what type of field you are likely to be playing on (Turf/grass). Be aware that most tournaments don’t have their final schedule out until 3 days before the start – Be aware of any changes.

3 – Pack extra goalkeeping equipment and have in a separate smaller bag.

Hat to avoid eye strain when looking into sun, squeezy bottle to wet gloves during and in between games, tape to ensure shinguards don’t get in the way of kicking. Have pants on hand if the goalmouth looks hard or rocky. Read up on all the equipment you might need but maybe don’t have. You can purchase goalkeeping equipment here.

4 – Read the article on exercises to do to warm up before a game.

Coach won’t have time to cater to your specialized needs. Read the article here

5 – Know the rules of the tournament.

How many minutes each way? Sudden death penalties? Throw in’s or kick-ins? Tiebreaker based on goals scored v Head to head? – This will help you to dictate the pace of the game.

6 – Look the part.

Ensure you look professional by having your shirt tucked in, socks over your shin guards and have your laces tied. The phycology of looking like a quality dedicated goalkeeper will help you in a game as you feel good and the opposition will be less confident in scoring a goal.

7 – Communicate.

With coaches – To see what style of play they are looking for ( Play out from the back / go long )
With defenders – When the ball is in the air / behind the defense. More info here
With team – to give encouragement. Read about the importance of communication here.

Review the communication flowchart!

8 – Fill out the match analysis form provided in previous e-mails.

Contact info@goalkeeperhq.com if you don’t have one.

This helps you to think about what was good, bad or ugly about your previous performance and gives a mental reminder of what you need to do better in the next game. If a parent or coach can provide the stats on the bottom of the page, even better.

9 – Know your penalty strategy.

Your strategy of saving a “one-off” penalty should be different to a penalty shoot-out.

[Update – 5/25 Be careful of stepping off your line as it could result in a caution! – See the relevant post here]

10 – Remember how good you are.

Think of all the good saves, early quality distributions that you made in your last game and throughout your goalkeeping life.

The goalkeeper warm up

February 10, 2013 / Leon / 0 Comments

As a goalkeeper, you need to prepare both your mind and body before a game. You have to be confident that you are in the best possible shape to play.

The Goalkeeper’s warm up should be different from that of an outfield player and should ideally consist of three parts. 1) Dynamic flexibility 2) Speed of feet 3) GK Specific action.

Dynamic flexibility can be done individually and Speed of feet done with the team in the SAQ part of the warm up. Below is a suggested GK specific warm up that should be done with another goalkeeper, a coach or a team mate.

Rock ‘n Rolls – GK sits down. Server throws ball to either side of the GK who saves, rocks and powers back up to sitting position

One knee diving save – GK in one knee position. Server holds ball to side that GK has foot on ground. GK pushes through the ball using inside leg to push forward. Soft landings.

Near post & cross – Using the goal, server drops ball along goal line outside the line of the post. Upon catching and throwing back to server, the goalkeeper glides back across goal to collect a high ball. Do both sides of goal. Progress to pressure

Three goal situation ( saving goal 2 ) –Server on goal line, cutting balls back across 6 yd box. GK outside line of post to save in second goal. If GK cheating, server may shoot near post. Do both sides.

Angled crosses & throwing distribution – Server takes numerous crosses / shots from outside the penalty box, making their way from goal line to middle and across to other side. After saving the GK should distribute with a throw to dictate position of next service.

Diving at feet – GK on knees around penalty spot. Server runs at one pace from edge of box to left or right post. Progress to standing GK reacting to server controlling aerial balls and driving to goal

Goal kicks & punts – At a growing distance, GK controls back passes and distributes with feet, progressing to goal kicks and various punt / drop kicks

You should not hold back on the warm up as you are performing tasks that would be expected in a game. Get yourself mentally right by performing these physical tasks to the best of your ability.

Depending on time available, you may need to do less repetitions. Remember to leave enough time to collect your thoughts and focus on the game in hand. Wet your gloves, adjust equipment, talk to team mates ( especially defenders ) and know game plan from coach. Leave nothing to chance.

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