Soccer Coaching Basics - Goal Keeper

One of the soccer coaching basics you cannot ignore is the position of goal keeper. While at the very young ages this is not a critical position, as players advance it becomes more and more important. The problem is, most kids do not want to play that position, and most coaches don't have a clue how to teach it.

Before you become overly intimidated, realize that like most positions, once you understand a few of the soccer coaching basics about the keeper position, it becomes something that you will be able to teach your players. Once your players gain a better understanding of the position, you may find that there are a few players on your team that really enjoy being in goal.

One of the biggest things that you can help your players understand is that playing a keeper is largely about cutting down the angles of the attacker. The goal is a wide open space with just one person trying to cover the area. If your keeper is standing back in the mouth of the goal the attacker has a great deal of space to place the ball in the goal. As the keeper starts to move out from the goal, the amount of space for the shooter is reduced. This is especially true of an attacker that is coming in from the side of the goal. The key is to teach your players to come out, but not too far out. If the goal is left undefended a quick crossing pass will result in an easy goal.

Another key to this position is teaching your players when it is best to catch the ball, and when the better option would be to punch it away from the mouth of the goal. If the keeper is in a position where the ball is coming to them, and there are no attacking players around, then the keeper should catch the ball, and then kick or throw the ball to a teammate. However, if there a several attackers in front of the goal and the ball is coming in, your keeper should try to punch or kick the ball away from the goal. A bobbled attempt at catching the ball could put the ball on the ground right in front of an attacker.

The biggest factor in successfully playing the keeper position is something that you do not have much control over, and that is attitude. A successful keeper has to have a solid understanding of the game, and they need to work on developing the proper skills, but the biggest factor is an attitude that says, "I will stop the ball at all cost." These are the players that fearlessly fall on the ball, even if it means getting kicked in the process.

A good keeper can be the difference between winning and losing in close matches. A few extra saves can be the difference between a winning and a losing season. Don't let your lack of understanding of the soccer coaching basics of the keeper position stand in the way of your team's success. Find some resources so that you better understand how to play that position, and you will see a noticeable improvement on your team's record.

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