Some goalkeeping tips to consider

by Seymour “Rollit: Walrond Tue, Aug 3, 2010

The World Cup should provide the best of Goalkeeping styles, situations, tactics, techniques and errors you would like to correct.{{more}}

Their performance should be analyzed and evaluated and you should seek feedback from your Coach before attempting to make a correction. For example, the USA and Slovenia first World Cup goals.

Goalkeepers are seen by many as outstanding individuals when performing well, and otherwise when having a poor performance.

Emphasis on positioning is most often looked at by the other players except Goalkeepers. However, very often, the way defenders position themselves helps to narrow the angle for their keepers.

The way defenders position themselves is also good for reflection, making saves possible, sometimes easy, but this should be a coordinated effort.

The defenders are readily blamed for goals that are scored, except when the keepers are clearly seen to be at fault. Goalkeepers could be blamed for their catching and or punching, distribution, running out and angling. These are a matter of selection, decision making, judgement and timing. During counter attacks, their accuracy is often poor, especially when making long deliveries. The lack of organized practice and skill show up in poor distribution.

Goalkeepers can kick and throw, however, the relationship with team members and the distance they find themselves make it difficult to deliver the ball properly. This leaves the out field players at fault. The Coach is also at fault for not making all realize each other’s ability.

We need to start introducing practices where emphasis is placed on the defending area when restarting and defending; positioning of defenders for Goalkeepers to see clearly, also to be prepared for reflections; from the angles that are as narrow as it can be; passing back to the Goalkeeper how and where, in different and difficult situations; forces Goalkeepers into making questionable and poor distribution, therefore teammates need to be much more organized and aware of the game situation to be readily in support, especially of their Goalkeepers.

Goalkeepers need to play out different scenarios to get practice of the different situations and what to expect in order for them to make better decisions when approaching all situations. The use of their voice clearly directing the position of players/defenders is necessary, as it helps in navigating and balancing his defense and team while under pressure or in possession.

So the more knowledge of the game you acquire, the better you will perform, and the spectators will also learn and appreciate the team’s performance. Awareness programmes are necessary for all Leagues. All teams/clubs coaches should make up the League coaching committee, likewise the Managers and trainers should make up the secretariat. Having such a structure will educate the community and football will develop.