Goalkeeper Skills and Actions Webinar Notes

Introduction

• Topic: Goalkeeper in possession, actions, and skills
• Presenters:
  • Adrian Tucker (National Goalkeeping Coach, Coach Education Lead)
  • Matt Doyle (National Goalkeeping Coach, YDP Lead)
  • Anthony White (National Goalkeeping Coach, PDP Lead)

Key Aspects Covered

Technical Elements

• Effective Actions of the Goalkeeper
• Distribution Elements
  • Types of distribution:
    • From the foot
    • From handling
• Importance of understanding scenarios where goalkeepers can exploit space when in possession.

Tactical Elements

• Managing the game:
  • Slowing down or speeding up play as necessary.
  • Exploiting space effectively.
• Considerations for goalkeepers when in possession:
  • Recognizing opportunities and making right choices.

Psychological Elements

• Importance of nerve strength and self-awareness for goalkeepers.
• Handling physical demands of international and club football.
• Building confidence in possession among outfield players.

Social Elements

• Connection to the team:
  • Importance of distances and support play.
  • Good goalkeepers instill confidence in teammates.

Goalkeeper Positioning

• Positioning examples include:
  • Supporting near the ball
  • Central positioning
  • Opposite high or deep positions
• Adrian will provide detailed insights on positioning later.

Goalkeeper Actions

• Types of physical actions:
  • Throwing: underarm, overarm, javelin
  • Passing: driven, lofted, instep
  • Kicking: volley, side volley, half volley
• Communication:
  • Importance of visual or spoken communication during play.

Focus Areas for Goalkeepers

• Position, Action, Communication
• Design sessions based on understanding what is required from goalkeepers.

Playing Around: Circulating the Ball

• Importance: Circulating the ball to prepare for penetration against opposition.
• Examples:
  • Finding high full-backs.
  • Playing into pivot players.

Overcoming Opposition Structures

• Understanding how opposition structures can limit actions.
• Circulating the ball to wear down opposition defenses.

Playing Into Options

• Playing to teammates effectively:
  • High pressed situations.
  • Assessing the situation before deciding on action.
• Playing into spaces behind the defensive unit.

Practice Design Considerations

• Game Setup:
  • 4v4 setups for practical application.
  • Consider where to place goalkeepers for optimal practice.
• Small-sided games and integrating goalkeepers effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Essential points: Position, Action, and Communication.
• Goalkeepers must maintain 360 awareness and adapt to surrounding players.
• Encourage goalkeepers to practice risk management in possession.

Final Thoughts

• Emphasize collaborative approach within goalkeeping training.
• Developing goalkeeping craft rather than just focusing on technique.
• Incorporate different practice styles to enhance skill development.