ABOUT GOALKEEPING
Often overlooked, the goalkeeper is one of the most important positions on the pitch. At Macarthur Football Association, we are pleased to share a suite of resources that are designed to enhance both the skill acquisition, plus the technical and the tactical attributes of goalkeepers.
Goalkeeping is about learning how to apply the 4 core goalkeeping skills (Preparing, Moving, Dealing, Distributing) in a functional way which is primarily done through incorporating the Perception-Decision-Execution process within your activities.
THE KEY LEARNINGS
4 core goalkeeping skills (Preparing, Moving, Dealing, Distributing)
• Set position
• General handling techniques – all heights
• Shot stopping (decision making, techniques of catching and deflecting)
• Narrowing the angle (into line and down the line)
• Diving techniques (collapsing save, introduction to power saves)
• Basic practices to improve reactions
• Dealing with crosses
• Thrown or chipped serve
• Unopposed
• Catching/punching
CLICK HERE TO VIEW FOOTBALL AUSTRALIA'S
GOALKEEPING: KEY FACTORS PRESENTATION
EXAMPLE ACTIVITIES
CREATE YOUR OWN SESSION TOOL
While we have shared the above example activities, the most important part of coaching is that you design and deliver your session to cater for the needs and abilities of your players. As such, we have created this "Create Your Own Session" tool with a library of activities to choose from for each relevant goalkeeping core skill. This library will be continually developed so keep an eye out for more activities as they get added in.
note: on laptop, click on arrows to view different activities.
on mobile device, swipe through on images to view different activities.
1. PREPARING
- Set position
- General handling techniques - all heights
2. MOVING
- Shot stopping (decision-making, techniques of catching and deflecting)
- Narrowing the angle (into line and down the line)
3. DEALING
- Diving techniques (collapsing save, introduction to power saves)
- Basic practices to improve reactions
- Dealing with crosses
4. DISTRIBUTING
- Thrown or chipped serve
- Unopposed
- Catching/ punching
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR TRAINING SESSIONS WITH GOALKEEPERS?
- Make the activities FUN and engaging
- Allow players to discover one's (im)possibilities through trial and error. “Who wants to be a goalkeeper?”
- Emphasis on goalkeeper training that includes PDE (Perception-Decision-Execution)
- Providing the necessary technical ‘tools’ to be able to play the game on the highest possible level
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: this information and resource has been derived from Football Australia Goalkeeping Resources produced by Tony Franken and Matt Rootsey in 2021.
IMPORTANT
Whilst we have shared these resources for your use, what you deliver on the pitch needs to cater for the needs and abilities of your players.
To assist you in this, we highly recommend that you undertake a MFA Coach Development Opportunity. Coaches at all levels play a crucial role in ensuring that football is an enjoyable experience for everyone, as well as laying the foundation for the development of better players. As such, our Coach Development opportunities have been designed to support you in whatever role you have whether it be in junior, youth or senior football.
Click HERE for more information on our MFA Coach Development Opportunities and to find which course will be right for you, your coaching journey and the players you are working with.