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. 

1. It is good to get an honest opinion from someone other than yourself or your slightly biased ( this could be both ways ) parents.
2. 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.

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.

Much recruitment is now done by video, at least initially, so it is important for players looking to showcase their talents to look good on tape.  The Goalkeeper has a great opportunity to show what they can do as they are easy to spot and hopefully it can showcase how important you are to any prospective team.

Unfortunately for many of my goalkeepers, having a designated goalkeeping coach during High School season is an exception rather than the rule.

With this in mind, the High School age goalkeeper is going to have to call upon some experience of training.

Here are some scenario’s that may occur.

1 – You are treated like any other player, having to do all the fitness of outfield players, and outfield drills

2 – You are told to go to a corner of a field and do “Goalkeeper stuff” on your own until the team is ready

3 – A coaches assistant ( who is not a goalkeeping expert ) comes to kick balls at you

Of course, throughout the course of the season you may encounter all three scenarios.

I’d like to address the three scenarios and give some help on how you can get the best out of all three.

1 – It is important that you as a goalkeeper are held in high regard by the coach, the captains and the other members of the team. Doing the running with the team will help create a bond. The long distances are not necessarily conducive with goalkeepers play, but we do need a certain level of fitness that aerobic training will give. Embrace this, rather than try to get out of it. There is a certain satisfaction in finishing strong above and beyond outfield players. As a goalkeeper, you are also keeping an eye on the characteristics of your team members. Who is likely to give up? Who is a leader?

It is important to establish yourself as part of the cool group and by trying to shy away from this preseason training will not win friends and influence people. Be a part of the team as opposed to apart from the team

Use the outfield training to improve your first touch, speed of play and passing ability. As goalkeepers, we have to be good soccer players with the ability to use our hands rather than being stuck in goal because we are no good out on the field. With that being said, see if there is any way you can adapt your part of the practice and relate to goalkeeping. Defensive headers may be adapted to collecting a high ball for example.

Be aware of numbers that the coach has…….. if there are odd numbers, you may suggest that an outfield player takes your place being a passive defender on a drill and you can prove your leadership in running a goalkeeping session off to the side, either by your self or with the other goalkeepers. The Goalkeeper HQ Membership site has a number of goalkeeping drills in each category which you can use.

2 – Running your own goalkeeping session. Show leadership, especially if this is something you have suggested to coach as opposed to doing an outfield exercise. This is where your experience of good goalkeeping training that you have had in the past will help. Collect any equipment you may need. Be aware that you do not always need a goal and that by collecting a few extra balls will help with the intensity. Coach will like to see an intensive session being carried out to make him or her feel at ease with letting the goalkeepers go to the side to do their own thing. Handling and footwork drills often provide the desired visual effect for coach and is good for goalkeepers from Freshmen to Seniors. Bear in mind that the goalkeeper should be the Quarterback of the team and a variety of distribution methods should also be practiced

Ask your coach if there is anything he or she wants you to work on, if they don’t, have a theme in mind for the session. Footwork, Handling High, Handling low, Diving low, Diving high. High balls, deflections. There are plenty of drills on the internet. Be aware not to just do the drills that you enjoy. Whist trying to be realistic with any shot stopping drills you may have, ensure that the service in contained. Coach will not take kindly to wayward balls coming into their session or be looking over and the only thing they see is the goalkeepers collecting shots that have not worked the intended goalkeeper.

3 – If you get an assistant to work with you, this is a good thing as it will provide good service. Be aware that being told to warm up the goalkeeper, or work with the goalkeeper to them may mean just kicking shots at you. Be respectful, but be an authority on the position. “Thanks for working with me coach – I’d like to work on xyz today. I have a drill in mind, can you help me with it?” will provide a win / win for both parties. The coach will not have to think on his or her feet, and you get the most out of the goalkeeping.

As good as it is for goalkeepers to train alone, it is just as important for you to train with the team, even if you are not the center of attention. The GKHQ membership site provides a video on the benefits of outfield training to goalkeepers. A good coach will get the goalkeeper involved in the tactical aspects of play, playing out from the back, defensive shape, the organization from set pieces, tempo of the game. All of which involve goalkeepers. Even if you are not the starting goalkeeper and on the field, it is important to educate yourself on what is needed.

Join the Goalkeeper HQ Members for more in-depth articles, videos, interview,  and resources.

This Premier League season (2017/2018), to me, has seen a large number of teams who seem to be undecided about their number one goalkeeper. Off the top of my head, there have been changes, due to injuries or performance issues at West Ham, Southamption, Liverpool, Burnley, Crystal Palace & Newcastle.

Both the USA Men’s National team & the England Men’s team are, at this time undecided on who their first choice goalkeeper is. 

At a recent presentation to the parents of the club in which I am goalkeeping director, I listed the reasons why, as a club, we look to have two goalkeepers per team.

• Create healthy competition
• For the goalkeepers to warm themselves up together
• Takes the pressure off of the goalkeeper if they have to miss a game
• It allows for recovery of injuries
• Two goalkeepers allow for an inter-team scrimmage. 

The goalkeepers on the team often share a bond. A common theme, a certain sense of humor and a “them against us” mentality against the team’s outfield players shooting on them. Being a good teammate is to help that other goalkeeper, provide good service and be a sounding board. Often, a good relationship is struck up between the goalkeepers. There is, however, only one spot for a goalkeeper and when it comes to playing, the friendship turns to a rivalry as each goalkeeper fights to become the number 1 goalkeeper.

Depending on your level of play, by not being the starting goalkeeper may result in limited to no play time. The following article aims to give you the edge to impress your coach and help you get back as the starting goalkeeper.

Here is some advice for goalkeepers who are competing for the number one spot.

1 – Do not make enemies with the other goalkeeper. Although they are competing with you for your place, you need them to push you harder, provide quality service, warm you up, provide you with rest during practice drills. A visual resentment towards the other goalkeeper will not go down well with the coach.

2 – Be coachable. The ability to take criticism without looking for an alibi. Not being a “Know it all”, and always looking to improve.

3 – Show that you love the game and the position. Is there a passion in the way that you train? Give 100% every time.

4 – Provide evidence of being mentally tough. Ensure that one mistake does not lead to a mental breakdown causing many more mistakes.

5 – Treat practice like you would a game. Demand great technique from yourself. Communicate with players like you would in a game.

6 – Practice at home. Even if it is small things like strength or speed training. Little improvements add up over time.

7 – Show that you are willing to make sacrifices. Are you available for selection during a friends birthday party – even if you don’t get to play?

8 – Look the part. Correct uniform, shoes tied up, shirt tucked in, socks pulled up – ball pumped up

9 – Befriend the influential players on the team. These are normally the loudest players or the captains. Other influential players are the defenders that play in front of you.

10 – Similar to #9, is the communication you give your defenders. If you just bellow out instructions or commands without any praise, the defenders will get sick of you. Boost their ego. Make them feel good with a “well done” – Defenders will like playing in front of goalkeepers that make them feel good. Coaches will pick up on that chemistry and elect to play you.

11 – Be ready to perform when called upon due to injury. See my post “Waiting in the wings”

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A goalkeeper article sent to me by one of my goalkeeping parents. Not sure who wrote it. I have added to it and commented where necessary.

Is your team coach helping your goalkeeper be part of the cool group?

The role of the goalkeeper is never well understood – except by other goalkeepers. Goalkeepers are lonely specialists, put in a position that is mostly a setup for failure. They rarely touch the ball, [as proved in the article on takeaways from the United Soccer Coaches Convention] when they do they have all the spotlight, saves are expected, and mistakes are very costly. It is the mirror image of strikers, who are always involved, mistakes are expected, and their goals – and even their good misses – are always celebrated. No wonder goalkeepers are paid less than strikers, and they very rarely win any awards.

Why therefore would anybody want to be a goalkeeper? Because it is a beautiful place to be. You see the whole game, you command your defense, and you can save your team. You are in charge. But is this something that coaches understand, especially at the youth level?

The modern goalkeeper is the last defender, with the advantage that he or she can use hands. This is pointed out in the article [The Goalkeeper as the Quarterback] As such, the Goalkeeper is part of the spine of the team – the keeper, the central defender, the holding midfielder, the playmaker, the striker. The best players must play in the middle, and the keeper is one of them. So goalkeepers need to think both as a player and as a keeper. It is a much more complex task than what the average field player has to accomplish.

However, despite this difficulty, goalkeepers are typically an afterthought for the coaches. Watch any practice, what do you see? Plenty of drills where keepers are just another player, with very little – if at all – dedicated attention to them. There are of course benefits of outfield training for goalkeepers but for the goalkeeper to be getting the dedicated practice they need, they need to be incorporated into the practice the right way.

An example of this is a standard drill, 4v4 with two targets. Where should the goalkeeper be? In most cases, they are just another player, depending on the color of their jersey. Really? Do goalkeepers play in midfield surrounded by other players? How does the goalkeeper contribute to the game with their feet?  – As a target player, in fact, always being the last resort for a back pass. Integrate the goalkeeper in the drill in his position, and coach it properly. Make them a two-footed player, coach them to receive on the back foot and always thinking first of changing the point of attack when they receive the ball. Practice always has to be tactical, and for goalkeepers, it is not an exception.

Dedicated goalkeeping training typically implies taking the keepers away from the team to do “keeper practice”, often at a different time and location. Specialized training is always needed, and keepers do need to train in the goal. There needs to be some thought in how this is done by both the goalkeeper and the coach in order to keep the goalkeeper looking good in front of teammates.

First – The goalkeeper should also attend team practices if their goalkeeping practice is on another time/day so that they get the benefits of being around the team

Second – The coach should not send goalkeepers off with comments that portray that  “those are the odds guys’“

A key feature of a good goalkeeper is the ability to command & organize the defense. Do you treat the odd guys in social groups with respect? Think of high school cafeteria dynamics – are you making the keepers look like the nerds, while they should be with the cool group?

Coaches need to empower the goalkeeper at practice. Here are some ways to do so.

1. Make him or her the leader of the warm-up, or the cooldown. Teach them to lead the group.
2. Always involve the keeper in the tactical discussion, they must be able to correct problems in the field. This leadership training is a critical part of goalkeeping education.
3. Make the goalkeeper in charge of tidying up – Not tidying up, but getting them to delegate and organize.
4. Make the goalkeeper Captain, therefore helping to get the respect of teammates if you see that it may be waivering.
5. Praise the goalkeeper before the game or at half time. Especially in decision making or communication.

Typically we see goalies in the field as those guys in the goal scared to rush out of the goal, scared of telling anything to their teammates. They are mentally weak, and that is a recipe for failure, no matter how athletic they are in goal. A good goalkeeper must be a strong leader, and that must be trained and nurtured.

A coach once told me, at the age of 13: “If you don’t yell at your defense to organize it, I will yell at you. You choose.” He was right. I slowly lost my fear to give orders to my defense, and we all benefited.

Goalkeeping is a mental game. Coach the keeper’s mind. Make them part of the team. Make them feel good about themselves. Make the rest of the team feel good about them. Make your keeper mentally strong.