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Goal Keeper Training
Goalkeeper training has advanced considerably since I became a goalkeeper at the age of 14 in 1948. I became acutely aware of this when I began my second soccer career in 2009 as a volunteer high school goalkeeper coach. This was reinforced when I received my Level 1 and 2 Goalkeeping Diplomas from NSCAA's Goalkeeping Academy.
just4keepers is an international organization that offers weekly goalkeeping instruction.
Just4Keepers Goalkeeper Training Academy in Western MA
Just4Keepers of West MA runs training sessions throughout the year.
The J4K of West MA also offers the following:
The J4K of West MA also offers the following:
- Professional quality Goalkeeper gloves at very reasonable prices. They are designed by J4K's professional goalkeepers and manufactured to their specifications.
- Local GK News: Tips for young goalkeepers and their parents from J4K's international team of owner/coaches.
- Locations of all J4K coaches in the United States.
- Browse the site for more.
Goalkeeping Schools and Camps
There are many excellent goalkeeping schools and camps, but the instruction is usually for a limited period of time. Summer camps are normally one or two weeks long, with only a few being goalkeeper specific.
just4keepers is a UK based , world wide school, that trains goalkeepers on a weekly basis throughout the year. Quality instruction and repetition forms a sound foundation for young goalkeepers.
just4keepers is a UK based , world wide school, that trains goalkeepers on a weekly basis throughout the year. Quality instruction and repetition forms a sound foundation for young goalkeepers.
Goalkeeper Gloves
Gloves are relatively new to goalkeeping. History. I was a goalkeeper from 1948-1958, just before goalkeeper gloves came into general use. I started using a pair of regular gloves during my last year of playing.
My hands became numb warming up for a game in 18 degree weather. I expected the worst, lack of control and a poor feel of the ball. Surprisingly, they worked quite well and I was sorry that I did not begin using gloves ten years earlier.
My hands became numb warming up for a game in 18 degree weather. I expected the worst, lack of control and a poor feel of the ball. Surprisingly, they worked quite well and I was sorry that I did not begin using gloves ten years earlier.
Goalkeeper gloves can be very expensive. Goalkeepers usually have a practice and a game pair. However, they often buy several more during the season since goalkeeper gloves wear out quickly.
Quality gloves at reasonable prices are available through just4keepers by clicking on the gloves icon.
Quality gloves at reasonable prices are available through just4keepers by clicking on the gloves icon.
Goalkeeper Qualities
There are many factors in becoming a goalkeeper; but Mental Toughness, Athleticism and a Desire to play the position are essential.
Mental Toughness: Goalkeepers must be able to shake off errors and goals. Unless the ball slowly rolls between their legs and into the net, goalkeepers must believe that it was never their fault. If field players had dome their job properly, there would not have been a shot on goal.
Of coarse that this is not the reality of a soccer game, but the goalkeeper MUST have total confidence in their ability.
Mental Toughness: Goalkeepers must be able to shake off errors and goals. Unless the ball slowly rolls between their legs and into the net, goalkeepers must believe that it was never their fault. If field players had dome their job properly, there would not have been a shot on goal.
Of coarse that this is not the reality of a soccer game, but the goalkeeper MUST have total confidence in their ability.
Athleticism: Goal;keepers must be excellent athletes, a quality that can be developed, but not taught.
Desire to be a Goalkeeper: A goalkeeper must love to play the position and believe that they are special. Without that desire, Mental toughness and athleticism is enough for a player to become an excellent goalkeeper.
Goal keeper training, as well as for all positions, is extremely important. The excellent plays, including the truly fantastic ones, do not occur by accident. Games are mostly won or lost in practice. Here is where hard work and dedication by the players and coaches pays off.
Players extend the limits of their abilities by constant repetition of drills and striving for excellence. The ultimate goal is for the players to react instinctively during the game.
The is especially true for goal keepers. Plays develop quickly in front of them, often from very close range.
Players extend the limits of their abilities by constant repetition of drills and striving for excellence. The ultimate goal is for the players to react instinctively during the game.
The is especially true for goal keepers. Plays develop quickly in front of them, often from very close range.
Reflex Training
Reflex Training: Some examples of goal keeper reflex training is shown below.
Game Example of Reflex Saves: Notice how quickly the goal keepers have reacted. These saves are the result of many, many hours of practice. Play continually improves with repetition.
For example, early in my soccer career, my initial instinct on shots away from me was that it was going in. I made it a practice of going for, often diving, for any shot that was not obviously out of reach. Gradually, I got closer to the ball and eventually I began to get a hand hand the ball.
I continued this practice every year until I graduated college as each season's training was the foundation for the next.
For example, early in my soccer career, my initial instinct on shots away from me was that it was going in. I made it a practice of going for, often diving, for any shot that was not obviously out of reach. Gradually, I got closer to the ball and eventually I began to get a hand hand the ball.
I continued this practice every year until I graduated college as each season's training was the foundation for the next.