On a good day, the goal keeper will be bored. The team’s attackers and mid field players will be busy all game long and the team will win by scoring many goals and conceding none. But games like that are few and far between. A well-coached keeper will give the forward players confidence to push forward, knowing he will be there if needed.
Coaching a keeper is not just about blasting balls at him or her. The coach must make the keeper understand how goal scoring possibilities arise and how he can limit opportunities for the opposition.
During a typical training session, the goal keeper will join in initially with the rest of the team to increase his level of fitness. However, when the rest of the team goes off to practice passing techniques, for instance, the keeper will be coached in some specific elements of his game.
Controlling the Area
One particular element of his game is controlling his area wisely. By cutting down the angles and instructing his defenders clearly, he will reduce the opposing team’s chances of shooting on goal. Irrespective of the team’s formation, the keeper must work closely with his defenders and give clear instruction at all times.
Instructions to defenders should be to the point and brief:
- Go to him – when an attacker is making a run on goal, the keeper instructs a defender to approach him, often followed by:
- Fill in – the keeper here is telling another defender to take up the position vacated by the first defender.
- Get out – a keeper will want to have as much of the play take part in the other teams half as possible. This instruction makes his team move forward and the opposing team to take up a defensive position. This instruction is often given just prior to a goal kick.
- Pass back – the keeper will issue this instruction when he is sure the rules will not be broken, and there is a clear path from the defender back to him.
- Mine – shouting at the top of his voice, the keeper will have committed to catching or getting the ball. He issues this instruction so that other players on his team will get out of his way.
- Get up – this instruction encourages the defenders to jump and head the ball away during an attack (often said after a corner kick).
- Man on – a defender may have his back to the run of play, the keeper can often see one of the other team’s players approaching and will issue this warning.
- Three men – When a free kick is given outside of the penalty box, the keeper will often want a wall of players between the ball and goal. The number of players will vary but one player must look at the keeper as he positions the wall.
- How is he – this saying is intended to bring the referees attention to a possible offside.
From early in a match, a keeper will clearly demonstrate his control of the goal area. This will not only make his own players feel confident in his abilities, but the opposition will be slightly intimidated too. Coaching the keeper in the fundamental skills is essential to the team's success.
John Glimmerveen - John Glimmerveen is a freelance writer and author specializing in automotive, motorcycle, and motorsports subjects. In addition, John is ...
