5 tips to become a better goalkeeper
Taking into account other exercises that we have previously discussed for attack, defense or midfielder positions, the goalkeeper could not be missing. He is the last bastion, the last defense before an opposing attack. Let’s see 5 tips to become a better goalkeeper.
As always, it depends a lot on your skills as a goalkeeper, how long you have been training, how your coaches and their methodology are, etc. But let’s try to see some general goalkeeper training concepts that can help you to develop in that position.
1. Improve reflexes
A goalkeeper must be able to anticipate the trajectory of the ball even before the opposing striker hits it. How can we improve the reaction to such situations?
To improve the speed of response to shots or deflections, we can train with rebound shots. That is, a player shoots, for example at a wall, and the goalkeeper must catch the ball on the rebound. In each case, the trajectory after impact will be different.
Also, the classic exercise of having the goalkeeper’s back turned and when the coach shoots and gives the signal, the goalkeeper must turn to catch it. There is very little reaction time.
2. Train agility and mobility
In these 5 tips to become a better goalkeeper, there are two key factors to be quick in our lateral movements and changes of direction.
We can use the classic training ladder to finish its course, receive a shot and try to stop it. Similarly, we can zigzag between cones with the same end.
3. Perfecting your dives, runs into the box and clearances
Being a goalkeeper means being very dynamic. You constantly have to be dropping to the ground to catch balls, sprinting to clear or catch the ball, etc. Apart from the physical energy we need, it is convenient to train these situations.
For low balls, the coach himself or the players can shoot left and right constantly. The goalkeeper must catch the ball and get up quickly to catch the next one.
Similar to the previous exercise, the shots will be more directed to the corners. It is not always about catching the ball, but about being able to clear it and have it go out of the goal or hit the post.
4. It is important not to give up the control of the ball
On many occasions the goalkeeper will be surrounded by opposing players. He must think and act quickly, and he will not always have the ball in his hands. On these occasions, he should practice similar exercises to the rest of the players.
You can train the controlled pass by marking clearance zones. In this way, stopping the ball with a part of the foot when receiving it, the ball is then sent to one of these zones.
If, in addition, we simulate passes to the back of the defense where the ball cannot be picked up, the goalkeeper must control and immediately pass to a target to get the ball out of the area.
Finally, it is obvious to practice the long serve with precision. The power of the serve should not affect the targeting of specific areas.
5. Improve quick reaction and hand-eye coordination
This exercise is very interesting because it is performed with a soccer ball and one or two tennis balls. What does it consist of? To improve, under pressure conditions, quick reaction and hand-eye coordination.
On one side, the coach or a player throws a tennis ball at head or chest height. The goalkeeper must catch it and, at the same time, stop a ball thrown by another player with his feet.
Little by little, the speed and rhythm of the exercise can be increased. Undoubtedly, this is a fun exercise that is usually very popular.
If you want to improve goalkeeper skills, these have been 5 tips to become a better goalkeeper. Of course, there are infinite exercises to train each position. Consult your coaches according to the needs of the team and your preferences.
As we mentioned in another post, in Soccer Camps Pro there are no camps specialized in goalkeeper training. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to visit our website or contact us.
