All too often keepers get neglected and receive little if any specific coaching, despite the fact that they are in a position to have a bigger effect on the outcome of the game than any other player. This situation is caused partly by the pressure on coaches to focus on the needs of the majority of the squad and a feeling of uncertainty about coaching the specifics of the keepers trade. With some planning a number of our keepers can work together for specific training and work with their own squads for parts of the sessions that include the use of keepers.

A progressive syllabus for keepers is outlined below. All coaches who have completed level 2 or 3 courses have covered many of the basics of working with keepers. In addition the club has resources which can be borrowed by any coach wanting to improve their knowledge of keeper coaching. Many of the drills that follow include the role of the goalkeeper, additional practices that isolate the role of the keeper are included in the other resources.

Specific goalkeeping practices will be added here in the near future.

Basics

• Starting position relative to ball
• Balance and footwork
• Moving into line and down the line
• Getting set - "The ready position"
• Effective pre-match warm-up routine

Shot Stopping

• Correct handling techniques
• Diving and collapsing saves
• One versus one
• Recovery saves

Distribution

• Throwing
• Kicking
• Dealing with back-pass
• Supporting defenders as sweeper

Communication

• Talking to defenders
• Organising set-pieces

Dealing with crosses

• Starting position
• Decision making - claim ball or stay?
• Assessing flight and attacking ball
• Catching and handling

Attitude

• Courage
• Anticipation
• Concentration
• Assertiveness