Having watched a few hours of youth GKing this weekend at the Tennessee Soccer Club tournament, I was impressed with the shot-stopping ability of GKs of all ages. Even the U-12s had GKs that could save shots. However, I saw only one youth GK (from a Cincinnati team) who was proficient at distribution. He actually got an assist on a long, quick throw out to a team-mate on a counter attack. Clearly, the boy has good coaching available to him.
Most of the youth GKs that I watched were far too silent in goal, and few had exhibited confidence when the ball was played back to them. As a matter of fact I was surprised to discover that not many teams EVER passed the ball back to their respective GKs--even when players were under extreme pressure.
You may remember that I have made this an area of concentration in my training sessions with the Clubs in TN and OH. This past weekend's tournament served to solidify my belief in the importance of training at Playing the Ball with Feet.
I would remind team coaches--if any of you are reading this Blog--to include your GKs in any technical ball-work your team does on a regular basis. It will only serve to help the GK become more comfortable with the ball at feet, and will add a new dimension of possession to your team.
GKs, I would reiterate that you need to work on serving and striking balls on your own, in addition to your weekly team and GK training, it is the only way to get better. Repetition is the key to success in GK training (and most everything in life, for that matter) and it is the key to becoming a strong GK who exudes 'presence' in goal. Serve, serve, and serve some more. Then go out and do it again!
Off to the training pitch. May the ground beneath your dive be soft, may the forwards always shoot straight at you, and may your goalposts be 3 feet wide.
All the Best--EV
Most of the youth GKs that I watched were far too silent in goal, and few had exhibited confidence when the ball was played back to them. As a matter of fact I was surprised to discover that not many teams EVER passed the ball back to their respective GKs--even when players were under extreme pressure.
You may remember that I have made this an area of concentration in my training sessions with the Clubs in TN and OH. This past weekend's tournament served to solidify my belief in the importance of training at Playing the Ball with Feet.
I would remind team coaches--if any of you are reading this Blog--to include your GKs in any technical ball-work your team does on a regular basis. It will only serve to help the GK become more comfortable with the ball at feet, and will add a new dimension of possession to your team.
GKs, I would reiterate that you need to work on serving and striking balls on your own, in addition to your weekly team and GK training, it is the only way to get better. Repetition is the key to success in GK training (and most everything in life, for that matter) and it is the key to becoming a strong GK who exudes 'presence' in goal. Serve, serve, and serve some more. Then go out and do it again!
Off to the training pitch. May the ground beneath your dive be soft, may the forwards always shoot straight at you, and may your goalposts be 3 feet wide.
All the Best--EV