Goalkeeping Tips, Tidbits and Random Thoughts

An athlete talking to themsleves during competition is hardly a new phenomenon.... The talk does not have to be vocal. By merely thinking you are talking to yourself and sending a message.
-- Tony DiCicco, Goalkeeper Soccer Training Manual

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Goalkeeper Fitness

Goalkeepers need to be in shape, just like the rest of the team. It's just that they need to be in a different kind of shape than field players.

Think about the motions of a soccer game. While field players are constantly jogging, then cruising at moderate speed, then sprinting five to occasionally 60 or 70 yards. Goalkeepers, on the other hand, spend a lot of time standing or walking, but then have to make quick 5-10 yard bursts and explosively jump and dive. Studies have shown that in a 90-minute professional match, a goalkeeper can travel up to 2 miles (3.2km), and much of that is going sideways or backwards.

Goalkeeping demands some aerobic capacity, but more quickness, agility and explosiveness. To be a top goalkeeper, you need to train these attributes. Going on a five-mile jog isn't the most effective use of your time. After building a moderate aerobic base, plyometrics, sprint training and strength training are where it's at.

More soon, but to get your started, a few great sites for keeper fitness are Keeper Skool (and the book available there, The G Code) and articles at Keeperstop.com. Also read this article at the Star Goalkeeper Academy site—coach Ryan Carr wrote a fantastic goalkeeper strength and conditioning manual available at Keeperstop.com.

Labels: Training

Posted on Monday, January 26, 2009 | Permalink