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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Which keeper are you?

This evening's camp topic was tipping over the bar. I love this session for several reasons: 1) it is technically demanding (footwork, hands, timing) and I enjoy helping kids get the precision needed to make the save, 2) the players really want to learn how to do it and work hard, and 3) I have fun chipping the ball over them and scoring�and get excited when they make a great save. Win-win.

Over the course of the week, you get to see individual personalities emerge. You two types of perfectionists, one type who just keeps going and going and going until they get it right, another type who gets down on themselves when it isn't perfect, even if it's very good. You have the diligent student who nods and says, "Yes coach" to everything. You have the goofy kid who may not be the best goalkeeper but enjoys being there and doing all the drills. Sometimes you get the stud who thinks they know it all already (and the coaches have to make sure to take down a peg or two), or a player who is there for the wrong reasons, to socialize rather than work hard. That may be okay at some camps, but not at Star Goalkeeper Academy or Net Results Soccer Training. If there is one attribute I want any camper to have (or for that matter, any player I train), it is a good work ethic.

Posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 | Permalink