OK, as pre-season progresses and as regular season nears, GK training changes a bit. We are no longer able to train twice or 3 times a day, classes are starting and the regular season begins this weekend in most cases. (By the way, training 3 times a day is just......STUPID. Talk about a case of diminishing returns........) So, we begin to look at what 3 or 4 things GKs need to work on each and every training session. Here is what I think needs to be addressed with each training:
1. Catching. This, as I have said many time before, is optimal in the training regimen of GKs. Remember, a GK catch is the perfect tackle. We now have the ball and can begin our attack. Catching is a habit, Habits are built up over time, and time is exactly what needs to be spent on improving catching. Plain, simple, catching drills should be done at least 20 minutes per training session. Simple volleying back and forth at the beginning and end of each training should suffice. GK trainers will (should) have a selection of drills that work on catching and these need to be implemented each training session. A GK will not be comfortable catching unless he/she has spent hours in training working at catching the ball.
2. Crosses and Serves. If one looks at a modern soccer match, at most any level, there are far more serves and crosses for the GK to deal with than actual shots at goal. So, if this is the case....training should be stilted toward dealing with crosses and serves. Ideally we should spend 30 minutes per session working at crosses and serves. Again, catching is optimal, but the GK Coach should design drills such that GKs are fully involved in goal and in serving. Serving is just as, if not more, important for quality GK training. Additionally, the GKs who are knocking balls in should be working on their serves--playing with feet--with each and every serve.
3. Playing with feet. Serves, kicks, volleys, half-volleys.....you get the point. Playing the ball with feet--and being comfortable playing the ball with feet--is vital to being a good GK. GKs should be involved with all aspects of team training where feet are involved. 5 v 2 is a popular team warm-up. GKs should be involved in this daily. As well, GKs should be serving balls during GK drills and working specifically on dealing with pass-backs and through balls. Again, GKs should concentrate on quality touches and serves whenever playing with feet. I always like to spend at least 15 minutes a session just 'knocking it around' with GKs. Over the course of a season, the GKs foot-abilities will improve significantly.
4. Playing. Small-sided games with full-sized goals are the best GK training there is. GKing is largely decisions made quickly, and small-sided games enable the GK to be in match situations and making decisions by 'reading' the game. Coaches can adjust the small-sided games by adding restrictions to help GKs. Example: ball must be played wide and a cross served before shots are allowed. Field players may only shoot from a 'lay-back'. Players may only shoot left-footed. Players may only score on headers, etc., etc. All of these help the GK 'see' and adjust to match situations.
I think all of the above are the keys to improving the GK over the course of the season. The above should get you through a 90 minute training session (depending upon how much playing is involved). Remember to add-in crosses and serves whenever possible, it will improve the GKs as the season winds on, and hopefully come play-offs your GKs are at their peak performance.
May the ground beneath your dive be soft; may the other team shoot right at you; and may your goalposts be 3 feet wide.
All the Best-EV
1. Catching. This, as I have said many time before, is optimal in the training regimen of GKs. Remember, a GK catch is the perfect tackle. We now have the ball and can begin our attack. Catching is a habit, Habits are built up over time, and time is exactly what needs to be spent on improving catching. Plain, simple, catching drills should be done at least 20 minutes per training session. Simple volleying back and forth at the beginning and end of each training should suffice. GK trainers will (should) have a selection of drills that work on catching and these need to be implemented each training session. A GK will not be comfortable catching unless he/she has spent hours in training working at catching the ball.
2. Crosses and Serves. If one looks at a modern soccer match, at most any level, there are far more serves and crosses for the GK to deal with than actual shots at goal. So, if this is the case....training should be stilted toward dealing with crosses and serves. Ideally we should spend 30 minutes per session working at crosses and serves. Again, catching is optimal, but the GK Coach should design drills such that GKs are fully involved in goal and in serving. Serving is just as, if not more, important for quality GK training. Additionally, the GKs who are knocking balls in should be working on their serves--playing with feet--with each and every serve.
3. Playing with feet. Serves, kicks, volleys, half-volleys.....you get the point. Playing the ball with feet--and being comfortable playing the ball with feet--is vital to being a good GK. GKs should be involved with all aspects of team training where feet are involved. 5 v 2 is a popular team warm-up. GKs should be involved in this daily. As well, GKs should be serving balls during GK drills and working specifically on dealing with pass-backs and through balls. Again, GKs should concentrate on quality touches and serves whenever playing with feet. I always like to spend at least 15 minutes a session just 'knocking it around' with GKs. Over the course of a season, the GKs foot-abilities will improve significantly.
4. Playing. Small-sided games with full-sized goals are the best GK training there is. GKing is largely decisions made quickly, and small-sided games enable the GK to be in match situations and making decisions by 'reading' the game. Coaches can adjust the small-sided games by adding restrictions to help GKs. Example: ball must be played wide and a cross served before shots are allowed. Field players may only shoot from a 'lay-back'. Players may only shoot left-footed. Players may only score on headers, etc., etc. All of these help the GK 'see' and adjust to match situations.
I think all of the above are the keys to improving the GK over the course of the season. The above should get you through a 90 minute training session (depending upon how much playing is involved). Remember to add-in crosses and serves whenever possible, it will improve the GKs as the season winds on, and hopefully come play-offs your GKs are at their peak performance.
May the ground beneath your dive be soft; may the other team shoot right at you; and may your goalposts be 3 feet wide.
All the Best-EV