ATTRIBUTES NEEDED FOR GOALKEEPERS
A goalkeeper is employed to act as last
line of defence i.e. to keep the ball out of goal, and it
is essential in any team hoping for success to possess a player
who knows how to handle the job.
In the modern game a keeper has to be something of an outfield
player as well, reading the play, leaving the penalty area
when he has to, and then leaving or passing to a colleague.
But the basics haven't changed that much, and being the back
player he can direct his defence in front of him from a good
vantage position.
But there are other items that need to be considered:
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(1) He has to be physically
strong, someone who can withstand a strong challenge when
going for a ball. He needs body and arm strength to deal with
fierce shots at goal, and he needs to be (fully grown adult)
5' 10" at least to help when reaching high balls.
(2) A goalkeeper needs quick
reactions, as he has to make quick judgements quite often
e.g. deflected shots at goal, racing out 20 metres to clear,
or keeping out close-in efforts at goal.
(3) Agility is important,
some of the world's best keepers have trained at gymnastics
to help their dexterity. Leaping high, diving sideways or
springing out occurs during most matches. So agility with
skill is an important requisite.
(4) A good fitness level
is important. Stamina training is essential, as goalkeepers
are sometimes asked to withstand pressure on the goal for
long periods, - and then there are always goal kicks to take
as well. In the modern game, keepers should possess some skill
at playing with the feet, and so he should train as an outfield
player, at times, in training sessions.
(5) A goalkeeper must have
courage, to dive at an oncoming players feet when he has to,
and to leap in the middle of bodies to deal with crosses into
his danger zone.
(6) He must concentrate at
all times - even when the ball is in the other penalty area,
so that he can quickly readjust his position when the ball
is coming towards his goal. That includes watching his own
team mates as well as the opposition.
(7) He needs a good temperament,
and is able to re-focus even when a goal is scored against
his team. His unaffected approach will assist his team mates,
and he should try as often as possible to be released, so
as to weigh up the play and not look flustered. His power
of concentration is vital - a high level of this will help
him assess all possibilities.
(8) Above all he needs to
be confident, and to get that confidence he needs to practice,
practice, practice, at handling, catching, throwing and kicking
the ball. Good ability will help build confidence, uncertainty
can be disastrous to the team.
As a result a keepers training programme needs to be scheduled
properly - quite often away from the rest of the team, with
the coach paying special attention to the mental side of the
position which affects confidence.
Basic practices for handling should be repeated over and
over again, with the coach ensuring the goalkeeper is trying,
whenever possible, to get both hands and some point of the
body behind the ball when saving.
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