What makes good soccer goalie training?

Good soccer goalie training should mimic what a soccer goalkeeper typically faces in a match. Good training can improve a soccer goalkeeper’s agility, ability to track the ball, positioning, coordination, jumping ability, confidence and reflexes. Important characteristics of a good soccer goalie. The skills and training of a soccer goalie are unique to that of other soccer positions.

Becoming a better soccer goalie

How do you become a better soccer goalie? The simple answer is to master the act of catching the ball. Just making sure the ball does not land inside the goal is not adequate. Simply blocking shots will not do much more than improve your save stats.

This is an important aspect of goalkeeping to understand. Just blocking or slapping the ball away accomplishes nothing more than giving the other team another crack at the goal. Considering that the goalie is probably on the ground or out of position than the ball in the back of the net becomes a near certainty. If the ball goes over the end line or over the crossbar the other team has earned a dreaded corner kick. Next to a penalty kick or a free kick right outside the 18, a corner kick is the most dangerous play for a defence.

After the keeper is properly convinced that catching the ball is the most effective technique, the next step is to adequately train to reach this milestone.

The best place to start is to be in a ready stance. This increases your ability to catch soccer balls. This means be on the balls of your feet, knees and elbows bent and hands and arms relaxed in front of your body. Be ready to catch the ball and absorb the soccer ball’s energy as it hits you.

Repetition is the key. You practice like you play. A goalkeeper should attempt to catch every single ball in the air in practice.

It is efficient to train with a partner. Start off by kicking the ball in the air at each other. Make the shots progressively harder. Use a mix of volleys, half-volleys, shots of the ground and headers. Make sure to practice good form and fundamentals with each catch and most importantly, cushion each catch. Take the energy out of the ball.

Keep practicing catching and cushioning the ball until you develop the muscle memory to do this instinctively. It will become easier and easier the more you practise.

And remember to expect success…because it will come!

A portable soccer net makes a good soccer goalie

Having a quality soccer goal is an important soccer goalie training tool. The goal should be adjustable to various sizes, portable and easy to set up. The frame should be rigid so that you get a rebound off the posts and crossbar.

A perfect goal for the budding young goalkeeper is Farpost’s SharpShooter goal. The size changes from 4’x8′ to 4’x6′ to 4’x4′.